[Federal Register: July 1, 1997 (Volume 62, Number 126)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 35424-35441] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr01jy97-32] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- POSTAL RATE COMMISSION 39 CFR Part 3001 [Docket Nos. RM97-3, MC96-2, MC96-3 and MC97-1; Order No. 1185] Amendments to Domestic Mail Classification Schedule AGENCY: Postal Rate Commission. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This final rule sets forth the changes to the Domestic Mail Classification Schedule (DMCS) and the accompanying rate changes as a result of the Governors' Decisions on the Recommended Decisions of the Postal Rate Commission in Docket Nos. MC96-2, MC96-3 and MC97-1. The Commission's Recommended Decision in Docket No. MC96-2 (issued July 19, 1996) and its Further Opinion and Recommended Decision in Docket No. MC96-2 (issued May 14, 1997) changed the classification provisions for Nonprofit Standard Mail, Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail, Nonprofit Periodicals, Within County Periodicals and Classroom Publications. The Commission's Decision in Docket No. MC96-3 (issued April 2, 1997) changed the classification provisions for selected Special Services. An Experimental Nonletter-Size Business Reply Mail Category, to begin June 8, 1997 and expire June 8, 1999, was established with the Governors' Decision accepting the Commission's Recommended Decision in Docket No. MC97-1. For this reason Appendix A to Subpart C has been revised to reflect those changes. DATES: This rule is effective July 1, 1997. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen L. Sharfman, Legal Advisor, Postal Rate Commission, 1333 H Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20268-0001, (202) 789-6820. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 4, 1996, the Postal Service, pursuant to its authority under 39 U.S.C. 3621, et seq., filed a request with the Postal Rate Commission for a recommended decision on classification reform proposals for some types of preferred rate mail. The Commission designated this filing as Docket No. MC96-2, Classification Reform II (Nonprofit Mail) and on April 11, 1996, the Commission published a notice in the Federal Register (61 FR 16129- 16146) outlining the Postal Service request and allowing interested parties an opportunity to intervene. The Commission issued its recommended decision on the Postal Service request on July 19, 1996. The recommended decision followed closely the settlement agreement signed by 13 participants and the Postal Service, with the exception of the proposal for Classroom Periodicals. In Order No. 1125, issued simultaneously with the Recommended Decision, the Commission directed the Postal Service to provide further data and information on the proposed changes in Classroom Periodicals. On August 5, 1996, the Governors issued a decision accepting the Recommended Decision of the Postal Rate Commission, and by Resolution No. 96-4 established October 6, 1996 as the effective date for implementation. Decision of the Governors of the United States Postal Service on Recommended Decision of the Postal Rate Commission on Nonprofit Standard Mail, Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail, Nonprofit Periodicals, and Within County Periodicals, Docket No. MC96-2, August 5, 1996. In response to Order No. 1125, the Postal Service filed additional testimony. On May 14, 1997, the Commission issued its Further Opinion and Recommended Decision on Classroom Publications. On June 5, 1997, the Governors' issued a decision accepting the Commission's Recommended Decision, and by Resolution No. 97-9, established October 5, 1997 as the effective date for implementation. The Request of the United States Postal Service for a Recommended Decision on Special Service Changes was filed on June 7, 1996. It proposed changes in provisions of the Domestic Mail Classification Schedule and fees for selected special services. The Postal Service proposed changes in the terms of service or fees for post office boxes (including caller service), certified mail, return receipt, insurance and registered mail service. The proposal established a new special service for postal cards, and renamed postal cards ``Stamped Cards''. The proposal also eliminated special delivery service. The Commission published a notice in the Federal Register (61 FR 31968-31979) outlining the Postal Service Request and allowing interested parties an opportunity to intervene. The Commission issued its Recommended Decision on April 2, 1997. On May 6, 1997, the Governors issued a decision accepting the Recommended Decision of the Postal Rate Commission and by Resolution 97-7 established June 8, 1997 as the effective date for implementation. Decision of the Governors of the United States Postal Service on the Recommended Decision of the Postal Rate Commission on Special Services Fees and Classifications, Docket No. MC96-3, May 6, 1997. The proceedings in Docket No. MC97-1 were initiated to consider a Request of the United States Postal Service, filed on December 13, 1996, for establishment, on an experimental basis, of new mail classifications and fees for nonletter-size Business Reply Mail. The Postal Service proposed to conduct this experiment over a two-year period with a limited number of participants. This experimental filing was made under sections 67 through 67d of the Commission's rules of practice, 39 CFR 3001.67 through 3001.67d. The Commission gave notice of the Postal Service's Request in Order No. 1148 [[Page 35425]] which was published in the Federal Register (61 FR 67860-67862). On April 2, 1997, the Commission issued a Recommended Decision in this docket establishing the experimental classification for a period of two years. On May 6, 1997, the Governors issued a decision accepting the Commission's decision and by Resolution 97-8, established June 8, 1997 as the effective date for this experiment. These provisions will expire on June 8, 1999. (Decision of the Governors of the United States Postal Service on the Recommended Decision of the Postal Rate Commission on the Experimental Nonletter-Size Business Reply Mail Categories and Fees, Docket No. MC97-1.) The amendments to the DMCS which are published in this order reflect the Governors' decisions on August 5, 1996, May 6, 1997, and June 5, 1997. These revisions are published as a final rule, since procedural safeguards and ample opportunity for opposition have already been afforded to all interested parties. Regulatory Flexibility Act Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the Commission certifies that this rulemaking is not expected to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Accordingly, regulatory flexibility analysis in not required. List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 3001 Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business information, Freedom of information, Postal Service, Sunshine Act. For reasons set out in the preamble, 39 CFR part 3001 is amended as follows: PART 3001--RULES OF PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE 1. The authority citation for part 3001 continues to read as follows: Authority: 39 U.S.C. 404(b), 3603, 3622-3624, 3661, 3662. Subpart C--Rules Applicable to Requests for Establishing or Changing the Mail Classification Schedule 2. Appendix A to Subpart C--Postal Service Rates and Charges is amended as follows: a. Place sections 1000-6030 in correct numerical order following section 484 and preceding Classification Schedule SS-1--Address Correction Service. b. Remove the terms ``special delivery'' and ``SS-17'' wherever they appear. c. In section 260 in the table, remove entry h. and redesignate entries i. and j. as h. and i.; in Classification Schedule SS-4, section 4.030 in the table, remove entry b., and redesignate entry c. as b.; in Classification Schedule SS-6, section 6.060 in the table, remove entry c., and redesignate entry d. as c.; in Classification Schedule SS-13, section 13.070 in the table, remove entry e., and redesignate entry f. as e., and in Classification Schedule SS-14, section 14.060 in the table, remove entry d., and redesignate entry e. as d. d. In sections 222, 222.31, 222.32, 222.41, 270, Classification Schedule SS-11, section 11.0221, and the First-Class Mail Rate Schedule 222 heading, remove the word ``Postal'' or ``postal'' and add, in its place, the words ``Stamped Cards'', wherever it appears. In Section 222.11, remove the word ``Postal'' in the heading and replace it with the word ``Stamped''; and revise the sentence to read ``A Stamped Card is a card with postage imprinted or impressed on it and supplied by the Postal Service for the transmission of messages.'' In section 222.13, in the first sentence, remove the word ``postal'' wherever it appears and replace it with ``Stamped Cards''; in the second sentence, remove the word ``postal'' and replace it with ``Stamped Card''. In section 222.2, remove the word ``postal'' the first time it appears and replace it with ``Stamped Card''. e. Amend the Table of Contents by: 1. Revising the entry for Section 180 to read ``Refunds''. 2. Revising the entry for Section 181 to read ``Procedure''. 3. Revising the entry for Section 182 to read ``Availability''. 4. Removing the entries for Section 183, 184, 460 and Classification Schedule SS-17. f. In section 110 add the following sentence at the end of the paragraph: ``Insurance is either included in Express Mail postage or is available for an additional charge, depending on the value and nature of the item sent by Express Mail.'' g. Amend the table in section 160 by adding, under the heading ``Service'' the words ``d. Express Mail Insurance'', and under the heading ``Schedule'', the words ``SS-9''. h. Sections 180 through 182 are revised to read as set forth below; and sections 183 and 184 are removed. i. In section 260 in the table, in entry h. under the heading ``Service'' revise the parenthetical phrase to read ``(limited to merchandise sent by Priority Mail)''. j. Sections 320 through 423 are revised to read as set forth below. k. Section 460 is removed. l. Section 1009 is added to read as set forth below. m. In the second sentence of section 3080, remove the words ``and insured'' and add the words ``general insurance, and Express Mail Insurance'' in their place. n. Classification Schedule SS-2--Business Reply Mail is revised to read as set forth below. o. In Classification Schedule SS-3, section 3.010, remove the word ``his'' and the article ``a'' the third time it appears, and add the words ``the customer's'' before the words ``box number''. p. In Classification Schedule SS-3, section 3.022, remove the ``,'' and the word ``rented'', and add the word ``used'' in its place. q. Revise Classification Schedule SS-9 to read as set forth below. r. In Classification Schedule SS-10, section 10.010, remove the word ``his''. s. In Classification Schedule SS-10, section 10.021, revise the first sentence to read ``A post office box holder may ask the Postal Service to deliver to the post office box all mail properly addressed to the holder.'' t. In Classification Schedule SS-10, section 10.031, remove the words ``periods of rental and'', and add ``administered as follows'' after the words ``boxes are''. In the table in section 10.031, revise the first column heading to read ``Period of box use''. u. In Classification Schedule SS-10, section 10.032, remove the words ``boxes rented'' and add, in their place, the words ``post office box fees paid''. v. In Classification Schedule SS-13, section 13.070 in the table, entries c. and d., remove the amount ``$25'' and add the amount ``$50'' in its place. w. In Classification Schedule SS-14, revise section 14.021 to read as set forth below. x. In Classification Schedule SS-14, section 14.026, after the word ``which'', add the words ``insurance is provided, or for articles valued $100 or less on which''; and add a ``,'' after the word ``elected''. y. In Classification Schedule SS-14, section 14.070, after the word ``mail'', remove the words ``and related optional indemnity purchase''. z. In Classification Schedule SS-16, section 16.020 in the table, in entry f., remove the words ``First Class'' and add, in their place, the words ``Priority Mail''; in entry g., revise the parenthetical phrase to read ``(limited to merchandise sent by Single Piece, Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and Library Subclasses)''. aa. In Classification Schedule SS-16, section 16.021, after the words ``mailing [[Page 35426]] or'' add the following '', when purchased in conjunction with certified, COD, insured (if for more than $50), registered, or Express Mail,''. bb. Amend Classification Schedule SS-16, by revising section 16.0211 as set forth below. cc. Classification Schedule SS-17 is removed. dd. In Classification Schedule SS-18, section 18.021 remove the words ``(or special delivery)''. ee. Classification Schedule 19A is added to read as set forth below. ff. Standard Mail Rate Schedule 321.4 is removed. gg. Rate Schedules 321.4A, 321.4B and 321.5 are added to read as set forth below. hh. Rate Schedules 423.2, 423.3 and 423.4 are revised to read as set forth below. ii. In the table which appears after Rate Schedule 423.4, Rate Schedules SS-2--Business Reply Mail, SS-5--Certified Mail, SS-9-- Insured Mail, SS-10--Post Office Boxes and Caller Service, SS-14-- Registered Mail and SS-16--Return Receipts are revised to read as set forth below. jj. Rate Schedule SS-17--Special Delivery is removed. kk. In Rate Schedule SS-19--Stamped Envelopes add the following parenthetical phrase ``(in addition to postage)'', under the word ``Fee''. ll. Rate Schedule SS-19A--Stamped Cards is added to read as set forth below. Appendix A to Subpart C--Postal Service Rates and Charges * * * * * 180 REFUNDS 181 Procedure Claims for refunds of postage must be filed within the period of time and under terms and conditions prescribed by the Postal Service. 182 Availability 182.1 Same Day Airport. The Postal Service will refund the postage for Same Day Airport Express Mail not available for claim by the time specified, unless the delay is caused by: a. Strikes or work stoppage; b. Delay or cancellation of flights; or c. Governmental action beyond the control of Postal Service or air carriers. 182.2 Custom Designed. Except where a service agreement provides for claim, or delivery, of Custom Designed Express Mail more than 24 hours after scheduled tender at point of origin, the Postal Service will refund postage for such mail not available for claim, or not delivered, within 24 hours of mailing, unless the item was delayed by strike or work stoppage. 182.3 Next Day. Unless the item was delayed by strike or work stoppage, the Postal Service will refund postage for Next Day Express Mail not available for claim or not delivered: a. By 10:00 a.m., or earlier time(s) prescribed by the Postal Service, of the next delivery day in the case of Post Office-to-Post Office service; b. By 3:00 p.m., or earlier time(s) prescribed by the Postal Service, of the next delivery day in the case of Post Office-to- Addressee service. 182.4 Second Day. Unless the item was delayed by strike or work stoppage, the Postal Service will refund postage for Second Day Express Mail not available for claim or not delivered: a. By 10:00 a.m., or earlier time(s) prescribed by the Postal Service, of the second delivery day in the case of Post Office-to-Post Office service; b. By 3:00 p.m., or earlier time(s) prescribed by the Postal Service, of the second delivery day in the case of Post Office-to- Addressee service. * * * * * 320 DESCRIPTION OF SUBCLASSES 321 Subclasses Limited to Mail Weighing Less than 16 Ounces 321.1 Single Piece Subclass 321.11 Definition. The Single Piece subclass consists of Standard Mail weighing less than 16 ounces that is not mailed under sections 321.2, 321.3, 321.4, 321.5 or 323. 321.12 Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to Single Piece subclass mail not mailed under section 321.13. 321.13 Keys and Identification Devices Rate Category. The keys and identification devices rate category applies to keys, identification cards, identification tags, or similar identification devices mailed without cover, and which bear, contain, or have securely attached the name and complete address of a person, organization, or concern, with instructions to return to such address and a statement guaranteeing the payment of postage due on delivery. 321.14 Nonstandard Size Surcharge. Single Piece subclass mail, other than that mailed under section 321.13, is subject to a surcharge if it is nonstandard size mail, as defined in section 333. 321.2 Regular Subclass 321.21 General. The Regular subclass consists of Standard Mail weighing less than 16 ounces that is not mailed under sections 321.1, 321.3, 321.4, 321.5 or 323. 321.22 Presort Rate Categories 321.221 General. The presort rate categories apply to Regular subclass mail that: a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 200 addressed pieces or 50 pounds of addressed pieces; b. Is presorted, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal Service; and c. Meets the machinability, addressing, and other preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.222 Basic Rate Categories. The basic rate categories apply to presort rate category mail not mailed under section 321.223. 321.223 Three- and Five-Digit Rate Categories. The three- and five-digit rate categories apply to presort rate category mail presorted to single or multiple three- and five-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.23 Automation Rate Categories 321.231 General. The automation rate categories apply to Regular subclass mail that: a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 200 addressed pieces or 50 pounds of addressed pieces; b. Is presorted, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal Service; c. Bears a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not including ``correction'' digits) as prescribed by the Postal Service; d. Meets the machinability, addressing, barcoding, and other preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.232 Basic Barcoded Rate Category. The basic barcoded rate category applies to letter-size automation rate category mail not mailed under section 321.233 or 321.234. 321.233 Three- Digit Barcoded Rate Category. The three-digit barcoded rate category applies to letter-size automation rate category mail presorted to single or multiple three-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.234 Five-Digit Barcoded Rate Category. The five-digit barcoded rate category applies to letter-size automation rate category mail presorted to single or multiple five-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.235 Basic Barcoded Flats Rate Category. The basic barcoded flats rate category applies to flat-size automation rate category mail not mailed under section 321.236. [[Page 35427]] 321.236 Three- and Five-Digit Barcoded Flats Rate Category. The three- and five-digit barcoded flats rate category applies to flat-size automation rate category mail presorted to single or multiple three- and five-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.24 Destination Entry Discount. The destination entry discounts apply to Regular subclass mail prepared as prescribed by the Postal Service and addressed for delivery within the service area of the BMC (or auxiliary service facility), or sectional center facility (SCF), at which it is entered, as defined by the Postal Service. 321.3 Enhanced Carrier Route Subclass 321.31 Definition. The Enhanced Carrier Route subclass consists of Standard Mail weighing less than 16 ounces that is not mailed under section 321.1, 321.2, 321.4, 321.5 or 323, and that: a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 200 addressed pieces or 50 pounds of addressed pieces; b. Is prepared, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal Service; c. Is presorted to carrier routes as prescribed by the Postal Service; d. Is sequenced as prescribed by the Postal Service; and e. Meets the machinability, addressing, and other preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.32 Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail not mailed under section 321.33, 321.34 or 321.35. 321.33 Basic Pre-Barcoded Rate Category. The basic pre-barcoded rate category applies to letter-size Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail which bears a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not including ``correction'' digits), as prescribed by the Postal Service, and which meets the machinability, addressing, and barcoding specifications and other preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.34 High Density Rate Category. The high density rate category applies to Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail presented in walk- sequence order and meeting the high density requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.35 Saturation Rate Category. The saturation rate category applies to Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail presented in walk- sequence order and meeting the saturation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.36 Destination Entry Discounts. Destination entry discounts apply to Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail prepared as prescribed by the Postal Service and addressed for delivery within the service area of the BMC (or auxiliary service facility), sectional center facility (SCF), or destination delivery unit (DDU) at which it is entered, as defined by the Postal Service. 321.4 Nonprofit Subclass 321.41 General. The Nonprofit subclass consists of Standard Mail weighing less than 16 ounces that is not mailed under section 321.1, 321.2, 321.3, 321.5 or 323, and that is mailed by authorized nonprofit organizations or associations of the following types: a. Religious, as defined in section 1009, b. Educational, as defined in section 1009, c. Scientific, as defined in section 1009, d. Philanthropic, as defined in section 1009, e. Agricultural, as defined in section 1009, f. Labor, as defined in section 1009, g. Veterans', as defined in section 1009, h. Fraternal, as defined in section 1009, i. Qualified political committees, j. State or local voting registration officials when making a mailing required or authorized by the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. 321.411 Qualified Political Committees. The term ``qualified political committee'' means a national or State committee of a political party, the Republican and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committees, the Democratic National Congressional Committee, and the National Republican Congressional Committee: a. The term ``national committee'' means the organization which, by virtue of the bylaws of a political party, is responsible for the day- to-day operation of such political party at the national level; and b. The term ``State committee'' means the organization which, by virtue of the bylaws of a political party, is responsible for the day- to-day operation of such political party at the State level. 321.412 Limitation on Authorization. An organization authorized to mail at the nonprofit Standard rates for qualified nonprofit organizations may mail only its own matter at these rates. An organization may not delegate or lend the use of its permit to mail at special Standard rates to any other person, organization or association. 321.42 Presort Rate Categories 321.421 General. The presort rate categories apply to Nonprofit subclass mail that: a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 200 addressed pieces or 50 pounds of addressed pieces; b. Is presorted, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal Service; and c. Meets the machinability, addressing, and other preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.422 Basic Rate Categories. The basic rate categories apply to presort rate category mail not mailed under section 321.423. 321.423 Three-and Five-Digit Rate Categories. The three-and five- digit rate categories apply to presort rate category mail presorted to single or multiple three-and five-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.43 Automation Rate Categories 321.431 General. The automation rate categories apply to Nonprofit subclass mail that: a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 200 addressed pieces or 50 pounds of addressed pieces; b. Is presorted, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal Service; c. Bears a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not including ``correction'' digits) as prescribed by the Postal Service; d. Meets the machinability, addressing, barcoding, and other preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.432 Basic Barcoded Rate Category. The basic barcoded rate category applies to letter-size automation rate category mail not mailed under section 321.433 or 321.434. 321.433 Three-Digit Barcoded Rate Category. The three-digit barcoded rate category applies to letter-size automation rate category mail presorted to single or multiple three-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.434 Five-Digit Barcoded Rate Category. The five-digit barcoded rate category applies to letter-size automation rate category mail presorted to single or multiple five-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.435 Basic Barcoded Flats Rate Category. The basic barcoded flats rate category applies to flat-size automation rate category mail not mailed under section 321.436. 321.436 Three- and Five-Digit Barcoded Flats Rate Category. The three- [[Page 35428]] and five-digit barcoded flats rate category applies to flat-size automation rate category mail presorted to single or multiple three-and five-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.44 Destination Entry Discounts. Destination entry discounts apply to Nonprofit subclass mail prepared as prescribed by the Postal Service and addressed for delivery within the service area of the BMC (or auxiliary service facility) or sectional center facility (SCF) at which it is entered, as defined by the Postal Service. 321.5 Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Subclass 321.51 Definition. The Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass consists of Standard Mail weighing less than 16 ounces that is not mailed under section 321.1, 321.2, 321.3, 321.4 or 323, that is mailed by authorized nonprofit organizations or associations (as defined in section 321.41) under the terms and limitations stated in section 321.412, and that: a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 200 addressed pieces or 50 pounds of addressed pieces; b. Is prepared, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal Service; c. Is presorted to carrier routes as prescribed by the Postal Service; d. Is sequenced as prescribed by the Postal Service; and e. Meets the machinability, addressing, and other preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.52 Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail not mailed under section 321.53, 321.54 or 321.55. 321.53 Basic Pre-Barcoded Rate Category. The basic pre-barcoded rate category applies to letter-size Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail which bears a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not including ``correction'' digits), as prescribed by the Postal Service, and which meets the machinability, addressing, and barcoding specifications and other preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.54 High Density Rate Category. The high density rate category applies to Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail presented in walk-sequence order and meeting the high density requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.55 Saturation Rate Category. The saturation rate category applies to Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail presented in walk-sequence order and meeting the saturation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.56 Destination Entry Discounts. Destination entry discounts apply to Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail prepared as prescribed by the Postal Service and addressed for delivery within the service area of the BMC (or auxiliary service facility), sectional center facility (SCF), or destination delivery unit (DDU) at which it is entered, as defined by the Postal Service. 322 Subclasses Limited to Mail Weighing 16 Ounces or More 322.1 Parcel Post Subclass 322.11 Definition. The Parcel Post subclass consists of Standard Mail weighing 16 ounces or more that is not mailed under sections 322.3, 323.1, or 323.2. 322.12 Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to all Parcel Post subclass mail not mailed under sections 322.13 or 322.14. 322.13 [Reserved] ** **Revised language describing the bulk parcel post rate category was not accepted in Docket No. MC95-1. The following description, last amended in Docket No. R84-1, remains in effect. 400.0202 Bulk Bulk parcel post mail is fourth-class parcel post mail consisting of properly prepared and separated single mailings of at least 300 pieces or 2000 pounds. Pieces weighing less than 15 pounds and measuring over 84 inches in length and girth combined are not mailable as bulk parcel post. Provision for mailing nonidentical pieces is set forth in section 400.046. 322.14 Destination BMC Rate Category. Parcel Post subclass mail is eligible for destination BMC rates if it is included in a mailing of at least 50 pieces deposited at the destination BMC, auxiliary service facility, or other equivalent facility, as prescribed by the Postal Service. 322.15 Intra-BMC Discount. Basic rate category Parcel Post subclass mail is eligible for the intra-BMC discount if it originates and destinates within the same BMC or auxiliary service facility service area, Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico. 322.16 Nonmachinable Surcharge. Basic rate category Parcel Post subclass mail that does not meet machinability criteria prescribed by the Postal Service is subject to a nonmachinable surcharge. 322.17 Pickup Service. Pickup service is available for Parcel Post subclass mail under terms and conditions prescribed by the Postal Service. 322.2 [Reserved] 322.3 Bound Printed Matter Subclass 322.31 Definition. The Bound Printed Matter subclass consists of Standard Mail weighing at least 16 ounces, but not more than 10 pounds, which: a. Consists of advertising, promotional, directory, or editorial material, or any combination thereof; b. Is securely bound by permanent fastenings including, but not limited to, staples, spiral bindings, glue, and stitching; loose leaf binders and similar fastenings are not considered permanent; c. Consists of sheets of which at least 90 percent are imprinted with letters, characters, figures or images or any combination of these, by any process other than handwriting or typewriting; d. Does not have the nature of personal correspondence; e. Is not stationery, such as pads of blank printed forms. 322.32 Single Piece Rate Category. The single piece rate category applies to Bound Printed Matter subclass mail which is not mailed under section 322.33 or 322.34. 322.33 Bulk Rate Category. The bulk rate category applies to Bound Printed Matter subclass mail prepared in a mailing of at least 300 pieces, prepared and presorted as prescribed by the Postal Service. 322.34 Carrier Route Presort Rate Category. The carrier route rate category applies to Bound Printed Matter subclass mail prepared in a mailing of at least 300 pieces of carrier route presorted mail, prepared and presorted as prescribed by the Postal Service. 323 Subclasses With No 16-Ounce Limitation 323.1 Special Subclass 323.11 Definition. The Special subclass consists of Standard Mail of the following types: a. Books, including books issued to supplement other books, of at least eight printed pages, consisting wholly of reading matter or scholarly bibliography or reading matter with incidental blank spaces for notations, and containing no advertising matter other than incidental announcements of books. Not more than three of the announcements may contain as part of their format a single order form, which may also serve as a post card. The order forms permitted in this subsection are in addition to and not in lieu of order forms which may be enclosed by virtue of any other provision; [[Page 35429]] b. 16 millimeter or narrower width films which must be positive prints in final form for viewing, and catalogs of such films, of 24 pages or more, at least 22 of which are printed, except when sent to or from commercial theaters; c. Printed music, whether in bound form or in sheet form; d. Printed objective test materials and accessories thereto used by or in behalf of educational institutions in the testing of ability, aptitude, achievement, interests and other mental and personal qualities with or without answers, test scores or identifying information recorded thereon in writing or by mark; e. Sound recordings, including incidental announcements of recordings and guides or scripts prepared solely for use with such recordings. Not more than three of the announcements permitted in this subsection may contain as part of their format a single order form, which may also serve as a post card. The order forms permitted in this subsection are in addition to and not in lieu of order forms which may be enclosed by virtue of any other provision; f. Playscripts and manuscripts for books, periodicals and music; g. Printed educational reference charts, permanently processed for preservation; h. Printed educational reference charts, including but not limited to; i. Mathematical tables; ii. Botanical tables; iii. Zoological tables; and iv. Maps produced primarily for educational reference purposes; i. Looseleaf pages and binders therefor, consisting of medical information for distribution to doctors, hospitals, medical schools, and medical students; and j. Computer-readable media containing prerecorded information and guides or scripts prepared solely for use with such media. 323.12 Single Piece Rate Category. The single piece rate category applies to Special subclass mail not mailed under section 323.13 or 323.14. 323.13 Level A Presort Rate Category. The Level A presort rate category applies to mailings of at least 500 pieces of Special subclass mail, prepared and presorted to five-digit destination ZIP Codes as prescribed by the Postal Service. 323.14 Level B Presort Rate Category. The Level B presort rate category applies to mailing of at least 500 pieces of Special subclass mail, prepared and presorted to destination Bulk Mail Centers as prescribed by the Postal Service. 323.2 Library Subclass 323.21 Definition 323.211 General. The Library subclass consists of Standard Mail of the following types, separated or presorted as prescribed by the Postal Service: a. Matter designated in subsection 323.213, loaned or exchanged (including cooperative processing by libraries) between: i. Schools or colleges, or universities; ii. Public libraries, museums and herbaria, nonprofit religious, educational, scientific, philanthropic, agricultural, labor, veterans' or fraternal organizations or associations, or between such organizations and their members, readers or borrowers. b. Matter designated in subsection 323.214, mailed to or from schools, colleges, universities, public libraries, museums and herbaria and to or from nonprofit religious, educational, scientific, philanthropic, agricultural, labor, veterans' or fraternal organizations or associations; or c. Matter designated in subsection 323.215, mailed from a publisher or a distributor to a school, college, university or public library. 323.212 Definition of Nonprofit Organizations and Associations. Nonprofit organizations or associations are defined in section 1009. 323.213 Library subclass mail under section 323.211a. Matter eligible for mailing as Library subclass mail under section 323.211a consists of: a. Books consisting wholly of reading matter or scholarly bibliography or reading matter with incidental blank spaces for notations and containing no advertising other than incidental announcements of books; b. Printed music, whether in bound form or in sheet form; c. Bound volumes of academic theses in typewritten or other duplicated form; d. Periodicals, whether bound or unbound; e. Sound recordings; f. Other library materials in printed, duplicated or photographic form or in the form of unpublished manuscripts; and g. Museum materials, specimens, collections, teaching aids, printed matter and interpretative materials intended to inform and to further the educational work and interest of museums and herbaria. 323.214 Library subclass mail under section 323.211b. Matter eligible for mailing as Library subclass mail under section 323.211b consists of: a. 16-millimeter or narrower width films; filmstrips; transparencies; slides; microfilms; all of which must be positive prints in final form for viewing; b. Sound recordings; c. Museum materials, specimens, collections, teaching aids, printed matter, and interpretative materials intended to inform and to further the educational work and interests of museums and herbaria; d. Scientific or mathematical kits, instruments or other devices; e. Catalogs of the materials in section 323.214 a through d and guides or scripts prepared solely for use with such materials. 323.215 Library subclass mail under section 323.211c. Matter eligible for mailing as Library subclass mail under section 323.211c consists of books, including books to supplement other books, consisting wholly of reading matter or scholarly bibliography or reading matter with incidental blank spaces for notations, and containing no advertising matter other than incidental announcements of books. 323.22 Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to all Library subclass mail. 330 PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS 331 Size Standard Mail may not exceed 108 inches in length and girth combined. Additional size limitations apply to individual Standard Mail subclasses. The maximum size for mail presorted to carrier route in the Enhanced Carrier Route and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclasses is 14 inches in length, 11.75 inches in width, and 0.75 inch in thickness. For merchandise samples mailed with detached address cards, the carrier route maximum dimensions apply to the detached address cards and not to the samples. 332 Weight Standard Mail may not weigh more than 70 pounds. Additional weight limitations apply to individual Standard Mail subclasses. 333 Nonstandard Size Mail Single Piece subclass mail weighing one ounce or less is nonstandard size if: a. Its aspect ratio does not fall between 1 to 1.3 and 1 to 2.5 inclusive; or b. It exceeds any of the following dimensions: i. 11.5 inches in length; i. 6.125 inches in width; or iii. 0.25 inch in thickness. 340 POSTAGE AND PREPARATION 341 Postage Postage must be paid as set forth in section 3000. When the postage computed at a Single Piece, Regular, [[Page 35430]] Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit or Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Standard rate is higher than the rate prescribed in any of the Standard subclasses listed in 322 or 323 for which the piece also qualifies (or would qualify, except for weight), the piece is eligible for the applicable lower rate. All mail mailed at a bulk or presort rate must have postage paid in a manner not requiring cancellation. 342 Preparation All pieces in a Standard mailing must be separately addressed. All pieces in a Standard mailing must be identified as prescribed by the Postal Service, and must contain the ZIP Code of the addressee when prescribed by the Postal Service. All Standard mailings must be prepared and presented as prescribed by the Postal Service. Two or more Standard mailings may be commingled and mailed only when specific methods approved by the Postal Service for ascertaining and verifying postage are followed. 343 Non-Identical Pieces Pieces not identical in size and weight may be mailed at a bulk or presort rate as part of the same mailing only when specific methods approved by the Postal Service for ascertaining and verifying postage are followed. 344 Attachments and Enclosures 344.1 Single Piece, Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Subclasses (section 321) 344.11 General. First-Class Mail may be attached to or enclosed in Standard books, catalogs, and merchandise entered under section 321. The piece must be marked as prescribed by the Postal Service. Except as provided in section 344.12, additional postage must be paid for the attachment or enclosure as if it had been mailed separately. Otherwise, the entire combined piece is subject to the First-Class rate for which it qualifies. 344.12 Incidental First-Class Attachments and Enclosures. First- Class Mail, as defined in section 210 b through d, may be attached to or enclosed with Standard merchandise entered under section 321, including books but excluding merchandise samples, with postage paid on the combined piece at the applicable Standard rate, if the attachment or enclosure is incidental to the piece to which it is attached or with which it is enclosed. 344.2 Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and Library Subclasses (sections 322 and 323) 344.21 General. First-Class Mail or Standard Mail from any of the subclasses listed in section 321 (Single Piece, Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit or Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route) may be attached to or enclosed in Standard Mail mailed under sections 322 and 323. The piece must be marked as prescribed by the Postal Service. Except as provided in sections 344.22 and 344.23, additional postage must be paid for the attachment or enclosure as if it had been mailed separately. Otherwise, the entire combined piece is subject to the First-Class or section 321 Standard rate for which it qualifies (unless the rate applicable to the host piece is higher), or, if a combined piece with a section 321 Standard Mail attachment or enclosure weighs 16 ounces or more, the piece is subject to the Parcel Post rate for which it qualifies. 344.22 Specifically Authorized Attachments and Enclosures. Standard Mail mailed under sections 322 and 323 may contain enclosures and attachments as prescribed by the Postal Service and as described in section 323.11 a and e, with postage paid on the combined piece at the Standard rate applicable to the host piece. 344.23 Incidental First-Class Attachments and Enclosures. First- Class Mail that meets one or more of the definitions in section 210 b through d, may be attached to or enclosed with Standard Mail mailed under section 322 or 323, with postage paid on the combined piece at the Standard rate applicable to the host piece, if the attachment or enclosure is incidental to the piece to which it is attached or with which it is enclosed. 350 DEPOSIT AND DELIVERY 351 Deposit Standard Mail must be deposited at places and times designated by the Postal Service. 352 Service Standard Mail may receive deferred service. 353 Forwarding and Return 353.1 Single Piece, Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Subclasses (section 321) Undeliverable-as-addressed Standard Mail mailed under section 321 will be returned on request of the mailer, or forwarded and returned on request of the mailer. Undeliverable-as-addressed combined First-Class and Standard pieces will be returned as prescribed by the Postal Service. The Single Piece Standard rate is charged for each piece receiving return only service. Charges for forwarding-and-return service are assessed only on those pieces which cannot be forwarded and are returned. The charge for those returned pieces is the appropriate Single Piece Standard rate for the piece plus that rate multiplied by a factor equal to the number of section 321 Standard pieces nationwide that are successfully forwarded for every one piece that cannot be forwarded and must be returned. 353.2 Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and Library Subclasses (sections 322 and 323) Undeliverable-as-addressed Standard Mail mailed under sections 322 and 323 will be forwarded on request of the addressee, returned on request of the mailer, or forwarded and returned on request of the mailer. Pieces which combine Standard Mail from one of the subclasses described in 322 and 323 with First-Class Mail or Standard Mail from one of the subclasses described in 321 will be forwarded if undeliverable-as-addressed, and returned if undeliverable, as prescribed by the Postal Service. When Standard Mail mailed under sections 322 and 323 is forwarded or returned from one post office to another, additional charges will be based on the appropriate Single Piece Standard rate. 360 ANCILLARY SERVICES 361 All Subclasses All Standard Mail will receive the following services upon payment of the appropriate fees: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Service Schedule ------------------------------------------------------------------------ a. Address correction....................... SS-1 b. Certificates of mailing indicating that a SS-4 specified number of pieces have been mailed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Certificates of mailing are not available for Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail when postage is paid by permit imprint. 362 Single Piece, Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and Library Subclasses Single Piece, Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and Library subclass mail will receive the following additional services upon payment of the appropriate fees: [[Page 35431]] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Service Schedule ------------------------------------------------------------------------ a. Certificates of mailing.................. SS-4 b. COD...................................... SS-6 c. Insured mail............................. SS-9 d. Special handling......................... SS-18 e. Return receipt (merchandise only)........ SS-16 f. Merchandise return....................... SS-20 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Insurance, special handling, and COD services may not be used selectively for individual pieces in a multi-piece Parcel Post subclass mailing unless specific methods approved by the Postal Service for ascertaining and verifying postage are followed. 370 RATES AND FEES The rates and fees for Standard Mail are set forth as follows: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Schedule ------------------------------------------------------------------------ a. Single Piece subclass.................... 321.1 b. Regular subclass......................... 321.2 c. Enhanced Carrier Route subclass.......... 321.3 d. Nonprofit subclass....................... 321.4 e. Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass 321.5 f. Parcel Post subclass: Basic..................................... 322.1A Destination BMC........................... 322.1B g. Bound Printed Matter subclass: Single Piece.............................. 322.3A Bulk and Carrier Route.................... 322.3B h Special subclass.......................... 323.1 i. Library subclass......................... 323.2 j. Fees..................................... 1000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 380 AUTHORIZATIONS AND LICENSES 381 Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Subclasses A mailing fee as set forth in Rate Schedule 1000 must be paid once each year by mailers of Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail. 382 Special Subclass A presort mailing fee as set forth in Rate Schedule 1000 must be paid once each year at each office of mailing by or for any person who mails presorted Special subclass mail. Any person who engages a business concern or other individuals to mail presorted Special subclass mail must pay the fee. 383 Parcel Post Subclass A mailing fee as set forth in Rate Schedule 1000 must be paid once each year by mailers of Destination BMC rate category mail in the Parcel Post subclass. Periodicals Classification Schedule 410 DEFINITION 411 General Requirements 411.1 Definition. A publication may qualify for mailing under the Periodicals Classification Schedule if it meets all of the requirements in sections 411.2 through 411.5 and the requirements for one of the qualification categories in sections 412 through 415. Eligibility for specific Periodicals rates is prescribed in section 420. 411.2 Periodicals. Periodicals class mail is mailable matter consisting of newspapers and other periodical publications. The term ``periodical publications'' includes, but is not limited to: a. Any catalog or other course listing including mail announcements of legal texts which are part of post-bar admission education issued by any institution of higher education or by a nonprofit organization engaged in continuing legal education. b. Any looseleaf page or report (including any index, instruction for filing, table, or sectional identifier which is an integral part of such report) which is designed as part of a looseleaf reporting service concerning developments in the law or public policy. 411.3 Issuance 411.31 Regular Issuance. Periodicals class mail must be regularly issued at stated intervals at least four times a year, bear a date of issue, and be numbered consecutively. 411.32 Separate Publication. For purposes of determining Periodicals rate eligibility, an ``issue'' of a newspaper or other periodical shall be deemed to be a separate publication when the following conditions exist: a. The issue is published at a regular frequency more often than once a month either on (1) the same day as another regular issue of the same publication; or (2) on a day different from regular issues of the same publication, and b. More than 10 percent of the total number of copies of the issue is distributed on a regular basis to recipients who do not subscribe to it or request it, and c. The number of copies of the issue distributed to nonsubscribers or nonrequesters is more than twice the number of copies of any other issue distributed to nonsubscribers or nonrequesters on that same day, or, if no other issue that day, any other issue distributed during the same period. ``During the same period'' shall be defined as the periods of time ensuing between the distribution of each of the issues whose eligibility is being examined. Such separate publications must independently meet the qualifications for Periodicals eligibility. 411.4 Office of Publication. Periodicals class mail must have a known office of publication. A known office of publication is a public office where business of the publication is transacted during the usual business hours. The office must be maintained where the publication is authorized original entry. 411.5 Printed Sheets. Periodicals class mail must be formed of printed sheets. It may not be reproduced by stencil, mimeograph, or hectograph processes, or reproduced in imitation of typewriting. Reproduction by any other printing process is permissible. Any style of type may be used. 412 General Publications 412.1 Definition. To qualify as a General Publication, Periodicals class mail must meet the requirements in section 411 and in sections 412.2 through 412.4. 412.2 Dissemination of Information. A General Publication must be originated and published for the purpose of disseminating information of a public character, or devoted to literature, the sciences, art, or some special industry. 412.3 Paid Circulation 412.31 Total Distribution. A General Publication must be designed primarily for paid circulation. At least 50 percent or more of the copies of the publication must be distributed to persons who have paid above a nominal rate. 412.32 List of Subscribers. A General Publication must be distributed to a legitimate list of persons who have subscribed by paying or promising to pay at a rate above nominal for copies to be received during a stated time. Copies mailed to persons who are not on a legitimate list of subscribers are nonsubscriber copies. 412.33 Nominal Rates. As used in section 412.31, nominal rate means: a. A token subscription price that is so low that it cannot be considered a material consideration; b. A reduction to the subscriber, under a premium offer or any other arrangements, of more than 50 percent of the amount charged at the basic annual rate for a subscriber to receive one copy of each issue published during the subscription period. The value of a premium is considered to be its actual cost to the publishers, the recognized retail value, or the represented value, whichever is highest. [[Page 35432]] 412.34 Nonsubscriber Copies 412.341 Up to Ten Percent. Nonsubscriber copies, including sample and complimentary copies, mailed at any time during the calendar year up to and including 10 percent of the total number of copies mailed to subscribers during the calendar year are mailable at the rates that apply to subscriber copies provided that the nonsubscriber copies would have been eligible for those rates if mailed to subscribers. 412.342 Over Ten Percent. Nonsubscriber copies, including sample and complimentary copies, mailed at any time during the calendar year, in excess of 10 percent of the total number of copies mailed to subscribers during the calendar year which are presorted and commingled with subscriber copies are charged the applicable rates for Regular Periodicals. The 10 percent limitation for a publication is based on the total number of all copies of that publication mailed to subscribers during the calendar year. 412.35 Advertiser's Proof Copies. One complete copy of each issue of a General Publication may be mailed to each advertiser in that issue as an advertiser's proof copy at the rates that apply to subscriber copies, whether the advertiser's proof copy is mailed to the advertiser directly or, instead, to an advertising representative or agent of the publication. These copies count as subscriber copies. 412.36 Expired Subscriptions. For six months after a subscription has expired, copies of a General Publication may be mailed to a former subscriber at the rates that apply to copies mailed to subscribers, if the publisher has attempted during that six months to obtain payment, or a promise to pay, for renewal. These copies do not count as subscriber copies. 412.4 Advertising Purposes A General Publication may not be designed primarily for advertising purposes. A publication is ``designed primarily for advertising purposes'' if it: a. Has advertising in excess of 75 percent in more than one-half of its issues during any 12-month period; b. Is owned or controlled by individuals or business concerns and conducted as an auxiliary to and essentially for the advancement of the main business or calling of those who own or control it; c. Consists principally of advertising and editorial write-ups of the advertisers; d. Consists principally of advertising and has only a token list of subscribers, the circulation being mainly free; e. Has only a token list of subscribers and prints advertisements free for advertisers who pay for copies to be sent to a list of persons furnished by the advertisers; or f. Is published under a license from individuals or institutions and features other businesses of the licensor. 413 Requester Publications 413.1 Definition. A publication which is circulated free or mainly free may qualify for Periodicals class as a Requester Publication if it meets the requirements in sections 411, and 413.2 through 413.4. 413.2 Minimum Pages. It must contain at least 24 pages. 413.3 Advertising Purposes 413.31 Advertising Percentage. It must devote at least 25 percent of its pages to nonadvertising and not more than 75 percent to advertisements. 413.32 Ownership and Control. It must not be owned or controlled by one or more individuals or business concerns and conducted as an auxiliary to and essentially for the advancement of the main business or calling of those who own or control it. 413.4 Circulated to Requesters 413.41 List of Requesters. It must have a legitimate list of persons who request the publication, and 50 percent or more of the copies of the publication must be distributed to persons making such requests. Subscription copies paid for or promised to be paid for, including those at or below a nominal rate may be included in the determination of whether the 50 percent request requirement is met. Persons will not be deemed to have requested the publication if their request is induced by a premium offer or by receipt of material consideration, provided that mere receipt of the publication is not material consideration. 413.42 Nonrequester Copies 413.421 Up to Ten Percent. Nonrequester copies, including sample and complimentary copies, mailed at any time during the calendar year up to and including 10 percent of the total number of copies mailed to requesters during the calendar year are mailable at the rates that apply to requester copies provided that the nonrequester copies would have been eligible for those rates if mailed to requesters. 413.422 Over Ten Percent. Nonrequester copies, including sample and complimentary copies, mailed at any time during the calendar year, in excess of 10 percent of the total number of copies mailed to requesters during the calendar year which are presorted and commingled with requester copies are charged the applicable rates for Regular Periodicals. The 10 percent limitation for a publication is based on the total number of all copies of that publication mailed to requesters during the calendar year. 413.43 Advertiser's Proof Copies. One complete copy of each issue of a Requester Publication may be mailed to each advertiser in that issue as an advertiser's proof copy at the rates that apply to requester copies, whether the advertiser's proof copy is mailed to the advertiser directly or, instead, to an advertising representative or agent of the publication. These copies count as requester copies. 414 Publications of Institutions and Societies 414.1 Publisher's Own Advertising. Except as provided in section 414.2, a publication which meets the requirements of sections 411 and 412.4, and which contains no advertising other than that of the publisher, qualifies for Periodicals class as a publication of an institution or society if it is: a. Published by a regularly incorporated institution of learning; b. Published by a regularly established state institution of learning supported in whole or in part by public taxation; c. A bulletin issued by a state board of health or a state industrial development agency; d. A bulletin issued by a state conservation or fish and game agency or department; e. A bulletin issued by a state board or department of public charities and corrections; f. Published by a public or nonprofit private elementary or secondary institution of learning or its administrative or governing body; g. Program announcements or guides published by an educational radio or television agency of a state or political subdivision thereof, or by a nonprofit educational radio or television station; h. Published by or under the auspices of a benevolent or fraternal society or order organized under the lodge system and having a bona fide membership of not less than 1,000 persons; i. Published by or under the auspices of a trade(s) union; j. Published by a strictly professional, literary, historical, or scientific society; or, k. Published by a church or church organization. 414.2 General Advertising. A publication published by an institution or society identified in sections 414.1 h [[Page 35433]] through k, may contain advertising of other persons, institutions, or concerns, if the following additional conditions are met: a. The publication is originated and published to further the objectives and purposes of the society; b. Circulation is limited to: i. Copies mailed to members who pay either as a part of their dues or assessment or otherwise, not less than 50 percent of the regular subscription price; ii. Other actual subscribers; and iii. Exchange copies. c. The circulation of nonsubscriber copies, including sample and complimentary copies, does not exceed 10 percent of the total number of copies referred to in 414.2b. 415 Publications of State Departments of Agriculture A publication which is issued by a state department of agriculture and which meets the requirements of sections 411 qualifies for Periodicals class as a publication of a state department of agriculture if it contains no advertising and is published for the purpose of furthering the objects of the department. 416 Foreign Publications Foreign newspapers and other periodicals of the same general character as domestic publications entered as Periodicals class mail may be accepted on application of the publishers thereof or their agents, for transmission through the mail at the same rates as if published in the United States. This section does not authorize the transmission through the mail of a publication which violates a copyright granted by the United States. 420 DESCRIPTION OF SUBCLASSES 421 Regular Subclass 421.1 Definition. The Regular subclass consists of Periodicals class mail that is not mailed under section 423 and that: a. Is presorted, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal Service; and b. Meets machinability, addressing, and other preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 421.2 Regular Pound Rates An unzoned pound rate applies to the nonadvertising portion of Regular subclass mail. A zoned pound rate applies to the advertising portion and may be reduced by applicable destination entry discounts. The pound rate postage is the sum of the nonadvertising portion charge and the advertising portion charge. 421.3 Regular Piece Rates 421.31 Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to all Regular subclass mail not mailed under section 421.32 or 421.33. 421.32 Three-Digit City and Five-Digit Rate Category. The rates for this category apply to Regular subclass mail presorted to three- digit cities and five-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the Postal Service. 421.33 Carrier Route Rate Category. The carrier route rate category applies to Regular subclass mail presorted to carrier routes as prescribed by the Postal Service. 421.4 Regular Subclass Discounts 421.41 Barcoded Letter Discounts. Barcoded letter discounts apply to letter size Regular subclass mail mailed under sections 421.31 and 421.32 which bears a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not including ``correction'' digits) as prescribed by the Postal Service, and which meets the machinability, addressing, and barcoding specifications and other preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 421.42 Barcoded Flats Discounts. Barcoded flats discounts apply to flat size Regular subclass mail mailed under sections 421.31 and 421.32 which bear a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not including ``correction'' digits) as prescribed by the Postal Service, and meet the flats machinability, addressing, and barcoding specifications and other preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 421.43 High Density Discount. The high density discount applies to Regular subclass mail mailed under section 421.33, presented in walk sequence order, and meeting the high density and preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 421.44 Saturation Discount. The saturation discount applies to Regular subclass mail mailed under section 421.33, presented in walk- sequence order, and meeting the saturation and preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 421.45 Destination Entry Discounts. Destination entry discounts apply to Regular subclass mail which is destined for delivery within the service area of the destination sectional center facility (SCF) or the destination delivery unit (DDU) in which it is entered, as defined by the Postal Service. The DDU discount only applies to Carrier Route rate category mail. 421.46 Nonadvertising Discount. The nonadvertising discount applies to all Regular subclass mail and is determined by multiplying the proportion of nonadvertising content by the discount factor set forth in Rate Schedule 421 and subtracting that amount from the applicable piece rate. 422 [Reserved] 423 Preferred Rate Periodicals 423.1 Definition. Periodicals class mail, other than publications qualifying as Requester Publications, may qualify for Preferred Rate Periodicals rates if it meets the applicable requirements for those rates in sections 423.2 through 423.5. 423.2 Within County Subclass 423.21 Definition. Within County mail consists of Preferred Rate Periodicals class mail mailed in, and addressed for delivery within the county where published and originally entered, from either the office of original entry or additional entry. In addition, a Within County publication must meet one of the following conditions: a. The total paid circulation of the issue is less than 10,000 copies; or b. The number of paid copies of the issue distributed within the county of publication is at least one more than one-half of the total paid circulation of such issue. 423.22 Entry in an Incorporated City. For the purpose of determining eligibility for Within County mail, when a publication has original entry at an independent incorporated city which is situated entirely within a county or which is contiguous to one or more counties in the same state, such incorporated city shall be considered to be within the county with which it is principally contiguous. Where more than one county is involved, the publisher will select the principal county. 423.3 Nonprofit Subclass Nonprofit mail is Preferred Rate Periodicals class mail entered by authorized nonprofit organizations or associations of the following types: a. Religious, as defined in section 1009, b. Educational, as defined in section 1009, c. Scientific, as defined in section 1009, d. Philanthropic, as defined in section 1009, e. Agricultural, as defined in section 1009, f. Labor, as defined in section 1009, g. Veterans', as defined in section 1009, h. Fraternal, as defined in section 1009, and i. Associations of rural electric cooperatives, [[Page 35434]] j. One publication, which contains no advertising (except advertising of the publisher) published by the official highway or development agency of a state, k. Program announcements or guides published by an educational radio or television agency of a state or political subdivision thereof or by a nonprofit educational radio or television station. l. One conservation publication published by an agency of a state which is responsible for management and conservation of the fish or wildlife resources of such state. 423.4 Classroom Subclass Classroom mail is Preferred Rate Periodicals class mail which consists of religious, educational, or scientific publications designed specifically for use in school classrooms or religious instruction classes. 423.5 Science of Agriculture Science of Agriculture mail consists of Preferred Rate Periodicals class mail devoted to the science of agriculture if the total number of copies of the publication furnished during any 12-month period to subscribers residing in rural areas amounts to at least 70 percent of the total number of copies distributed by any means for any purpose. 423.6 Preferred Rate Pound Rates For Preferred Rate Periodicals entered under sections 423.3, 423.4 and 423.5, and unzoned pound rate applies to the nonadvertising portion. A zoned pound rate applies to the advertising portion and may be reduced by applicable destination entry discounts. The pound rate postage is the sum of the nonadvertising portion charge and the advertising portion charge. For Preferred Rate Periodicals entered under section 423.2, one pound rate applies to the pieces presorted to carrier route to be delivered within the delivery area of the originating post office, and another pound rate applies to all other pieces. 423.7 Preferred Rate Piece Rates 423.71 Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to all Preferred Rate Periodicals not mailed under section 423.72 or 423.73. 423.72 Three-digit City and Five-Digit Rate Category. The rates for this category apply to Preferred Rate Periodicals entered under sections 423.3, 423,4, or 423.5 that are presorted to three-digit cities and five-digit ZIP code destinations as prescribed by the Postal Service. 423.73 Carrier Route Rate Category. The carrier route rate category applies to Preferred Rate Periodicals presorted to carrier routes as prescribed by the Postal Service. 423.8 Preferred Rate Discounts 423.81 Barcoded Letter Discounts. Barcoded letter discounts apply to letter size Preferred Rate Periodicals mailed under sections 423.71 and 423.72 which bear a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not including ``correction'' digits) as prescribed by the Postal Service, and which meet the machinability, addressing, and barcoding specifications and other preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 423.82 Barcoded Flats Discounts. Barcoded flats discounts apply to flat size Preferred Rate Periodicals mailed under sections 423.71 and 423.72 which bear a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not including ``correction'' digits) as prescribed by the Postal Service, and meet the flats machinability, addressing, and barcoding specifications and other preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 423.83 High Density Discount. The high density discount applies to Preferred Rate Periodicals mailed under section 423.73, presented in walk sequence order, and meeting the high density and preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 423.84 Saturation Discount. The saturation discount applies to Preferred Rate Periodicals mailed under section 423.73, presented in walk sequence order, and meeting the saturation and preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 423.85 Destination Entry Discounts. Destination entry discounts apply to Preferred Rate Periodicals which are destined for delivery within the service area of the destination sectional center facility (SCF) or the destination delivery unit (DDU) in which they are entered, as defined by the Postal Service. The DDU discount only applies to Carrier Route rate category mail; the SCF discount is not available for mail entered under section 423.2. 423.86 Nonadvertising Discount. The nonadvertising discount applies to Preferred Rate Periodicals entered under sections 423.3, 423.4, 423.5 and is determined by multiplying the proportion of nonadvertising content by the discount factor set forth in Rate Schedules 421. 423.3 or 423.4 and subtracting that amount from the applicable piece rate. * * * * * 1009 Nonprofit Organizations and Associations Nonprofit organizations or associations are organizations or associations not organized for profit, none of the net income of which benefits any private stockholder or individual, and which meet the qualifications set forth below for each type of organization or association. The standard of primary purpose applies to each type of organization or association, except veterans' and fraternal. The standard of primary purpose requires that each type of organization or association be both organized and operated for the primary purpose. The following are the types of organizations or associations which may qualify as authorized nonprofit organizations or associations. a. Religious. A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is one of the following: i. To conduct religious worship; ii. To support the religious activities of nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is to conduct religious worship; iii. To perform instruction in, to disseminate information about, or otherwise to further the teaching of particular religious faiths or tenets. b. Educational. A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is one of the following: i. The instruction or training of the individual for the purpose of improving or developing his capabilities; ii. The instruction of the public on subjects beneficial to the community. An organization may be educational even though it advocates a particular position or viewpoint so long as it presents a sufficiently full and fair exposition of the pertinent facts to permit an individual or the public to form an independent opinion or conclusion. On the other hand, an organization is not educational if its principal function is the mere presentation of unsupported opinion. c. Scientific. A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is one of the following: i. To conduct research in the applied, pure or natural sciences; ii. To disseminate systematized technical information dealing with applied, pure or natural sciences. d. Philanthropic. A nonprofit organization primarily organized and operated for purposes beneficial to the public. Philanthropic organizations include, but are not limited to, organizations which are organized for: i. Relief of the poor and distressed or of the underprivileged; [[Page 35435]] ii. Advancement of religion; iii. Advancement of education or science; iv. Erection or maintenance of public buildings, monuments, or works; v. Lessening of the burdens of government; vi. Promotion of social welfare by organizations designed to accomplish any of the above purposes or: (A) To lessen neighborhood tensions; (B) To eliminate prejudice and discrimination; (C) To defend human and civil rights secured by law; or (D) To combat community deterioration and juvenile delinquency. e. Agricultural. A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is the betterment of the conditions of those engaged in agriculture pursuits, the improvement of the grade of their products, and the development of a higher degree of efficiency in agriculture. The organization may advance agricultural interests through educational activities; the holding of agricultural fairs; the collection and dissemination of information concerning cultivation of the soil and its fruits or the harvesting of marine resources; the rearing, feeding, and management of livestock, poultry, and bees, or other activities relating to agricultural interests. The term agricultural nonprofit organization also includes any nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is the collection and dissemination of information or materials relating to agricultural pursuits. f. Labor. A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is the betterment of the conditions of workers. Labor organizations include, but are not limited to, organizations in which employees or workmen participate, whose primary purpose is to deal with employers concerning grievances, labor disputes, wages, hours of employment and working conditions. g. Veterans'. A nonprofit organization of veterans of the armed services of the United States, or an auxiliary unit or society of, or a trust or foundation for, any such post or organization. h. Fraternal. A nonprofit organization which meets all of the following criteria: i. Has as its primary purpose the fostering of brotherhood and mutual benefits among its members; ii. Is organized under a lodge or chapter system with a representative form of government; iii. Follows a ritualistic format; and iv. Is comprised of members who are elected to membership by vote of the members. * * * * * CLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE SS-2--BUSINESS REPLY MAIL 2.01 Definitions 2.010 Business reply mail is a service whereby business reply cards, envelopes, cartons and labels may be distributed by or for a business reply distributor for use by mailers for sending First-Class Mail without prepayment of postage to an address chosen by the distributor. A distributor is the holder of a business reply license. 2.011 A business reply mail piece is nonletter-size for purposes of Classification Schedule SS-2 if it meets addressing and other preparation requirements, but does not meet the machinability requirements prescribed by the Postal Service for mechanized or automated letter sortation. This provision expires June 8, 1999. 2.02 Description of Service 2.020 The distributor guarantees payment on delivery of postage and fees for all returned business reply mail. Any distributor of business reply cards, envelopes, cartons and labels under any one license for return to several addresses guarantees to pay postage and fees on any returns refused by any such addressee. 2.03 Requirements of the Mailer 2.030 Business reply cards, envelopes, cartons and labels must be readdressed and bear business reply markings. 2.031 Handwriting, typewriting or handstamping are not acceptable methods of preaddressing or marking business reply cards, envelopes, cartons, or labels. 2.04 Fees 2.040 The fees for business reply mail are set forth in Rate Schedule SS-2. 2.041 To qualify as an active business reply mail advance deposit trust account, the account must be used solely for business reply mail and contain sufficient postage and fees due for returned business reply mail. 2.042 An accounting fee as set forth in Rate Schedule SS-2 must be paid each year for each advance deposit business reply account at each facility where the mail is to be returned. 2.043 Experimental Reverse Manifest Fees 2.0431 A set-up/qualification fee as set forth in Rate Schedule SS-2 must be paid by each business reply mail advance deposit trust account holder at each destination postal facility at which it applies to receive nonletter-size business reply mail for which the postage and fees will be accounted for through a reverse manifest method approved by the Postal Service for ascertaining and verifying postage. A distributor must pay this fee for each business reply mail advance deposit trust account for which participation in the nonletter- size business reply mail experiment is requested. This provision expires June 8, 1999. 2.0432 A nonletter-size reverse manifest monthly fee as set forth in Rate Schedule SS-2 must be paid each month during which the distributor's reverse manifest account is active. This fee applies to the (no more than) 10 advance deposit account holders which are selected by the Postal Service to participate in the reverse manifest nonletter-size business reply mail experiment and which utilize reverse manifest accounting methods approved by the Postal Service for ascertaining and verifying postage and fees. This provision expires June 8, 1999. 2.044 Experimental Weight Averaging Fees 2.0441 A set-up/qualification fee as set forth in Rate Schedule SS-2 must be paid by each business reply mail advance deposit trust account holder at each destination postal facility at which it applies to receive nonletter-size business reply mail for which the postage and fees will be accounted for through a weight averaging method approved by the Postal Service for ascertaining and verifying postage. A distributor must pay this fee for each business reply mail advance deposit trust account for which participation in the nonletter- size business reply mail experiment is requested. This provision expires June 8, 1999. 2.0442 A nonletter-size weight averaging monthly fee as set forth in Rate Schedule SS-2 must be paid each month during which the distributor's weight averaging account is active. This fee applies to the (no more than) 10 advance deposit account holders which are selected by the Postal Service to participate in the weight averaging nonletter-size business reply mail experiment. This provision expires June 8, 1999. 2.05 Authorizations and Licenses 2.050 In order to distribute business reply cards, envelopes, cartons or labels, the distributor must obtain a license or licenses from the Postal Service and pay the appropriate fee as set forth in Rate Schedule SS-2. 2.0501 Except as provided in section 2.0502, the license to distribute business [[Page 35436]] reply cards, envelopes, cartons, or labels must be obtained at each office from which the mail is offered for delivery. 2.0502 If the business reply mail is to be distributed from a central office to be returned to branches or dealers in other cities, one license obtained from the post office where the central office is located may be used to cover all business reply mail. 2.051 The license to mail business reply mail may be canceled for failure to pay business reply postage and fees when due, and for distributing business reply cards or envelopes which do not conform to prescribed form, style or size. 2.052 Authorization to pay experimental nonletter-size business reply mail fees as set forth in Rate Schedule SS-2 may be canceled for failure of a business reply mail advance deposit trust account holder to meet the standards prescribed by the Postal Service for the applicable reverse manifest or weight averaging accounting method. This provision expires June 8, 1999. * * * * * CLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE SS-9--INSURED MAIL Part a--Express Mail Insurance 9a.01 Definition 9a.010 Express Mail Insurance is a service that provides the mailer with indemnity for loss of, rifling of, or damage to items sent by Express Mail. 9a.02 Description of Service 9a.020 Express Mail Insurance is available only for Express Mail. 9a.021 Insurance coverage is provided, for no additional charge, up to $500 per piece for document reconstruction, up to $5,000 per occurrence regardless of the number of claimants. Insurance coverage is also provided, for no additional charge, up to $500 per piece for merchandise. Insurance coverage for merchandise valued at more than $500 is available for an additional fee, as set forth in Rate Schedule SS-9. The maximum liability for merchandise is $5,000 per piece. For negotiable items, currency, or bullion, the maximum liability is $15. 9a.022 Indemnity claims for Express Mail must be filed within a specified period of time from the date the article was mailed. 9a.023 Indemnity will be paid under terms and conditions prescribed by the Postal Service. 9a.024 Among other limitations prescribed by the Postal Service, indemnity will not be paid by the Postal Service for loss, damage or rifling: a. Of nonmailable matter; b. Due to improper packaging; c. Due to seizure by any agency of government; or, d. Due to war, insurrection or civil disturbances. 9a.03 Fees 9a.030 The fees for Express Mail Insurance service are set forth in Rate Schedule SS-9. Part b--General Insurance 9b.01 Definition 9b.010 General Insurance is a service that provides the mailer with indemnity for loss of, rifling of, or damage to mailed items. 9b.02 Description of Service 9b.020 The maximum liability of the Postal Service under this part is $5000. 9b.021 General Insurance is available for mail sent under the following classification schedules: a. First-Class Mail, if containing matter which may be mailed as Standard Mail b. Single Piece, Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and Library Standard Mail 9b.022 This service is not available for matter offered for sale, addressed to prospective purchasers who have not ordered or authorized their sending. If such matter is received in the mail, payment will not be made for loss, rifling, or damage. 9b.023 The mailer is issued a receipt for each item mailed. For items insured for more than $50, a receipt of delivery is obtained by the Postal Service. 9b.024 For items insured for more than $50, a notice of arrival is left at the mailing address when the first attempt at delivery is unsuccessful. 9b.025 A claim for complete loss may be filed by the mailer only. A claim for damage or for partial loss may be filed by either the mailer or addressee. 9b.026 A claim for damage or loss on a parcel sent merchandise return (SS-20) may only be filed by the purchaser of the insurance. 9b.027 Indemnity claims must be filed within a specified period of time from the date the article was mailed. 9b.028 Additional copies of the original mailing receipt may be obtained by the mailer, upon payment of the applicable fee set forth in Rate Schedule SS-9. 9b.03 Deposit of Mail 9b.030 Mail insured under this part must be deposited in a manner specified by the Postal Service. 9b.04 Forwarding and Return 9b.040 By insuring an item, the mailer guarantees forwarding and return postage unless instructions on the piece mailed indicate that it not be forwarded or returned. 9b.041 Mail undeliverable as addressed sent under this part will be returned to the sender as specified by the sender or by the Postal Service. 9b.05 Other Services 9b.050 The following services, if applicable to the class of mail, may be obtained in conjunction with mail sent under this part upon payment of the applicable fees: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Classification Schedule ------------------------------------------------------------------------ a. Parcel Airlift.......................... SS-13 b. Restricted delivery (for items insured SS-15 for more than $50). c. Return receipt (for items insured for SS-16 more than $50). d. Special handling........................ SS-18 e. Merchandise return (shippers only)...... SS-20 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9b.06 Fees 9b.060 The fees for General Insurance are set forth in Rate Schedule SS-9. * * * * * CLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE SS-14--REGISTERED MAIL 14.021 Registered mail service provides insurance up to a maximum of $25,000, depending upon the actual value at the time of mailing, except that insurance is optional for articles valued $100 or less. * * * * * CLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE SS-16--RETURN RECEIPTS 16.0211 Mailers requesting return receipt service at the time of mailing will be provided, as appropriate, the signature of the addressee or addressee's agent, the date delivered, and the address of delivery, if different from the address on the mailpiece. * * * * * CLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE SS-19A--STAMPED CARDS * * * * * 19A.01 Definition 19A.010 Stamped Cards. Stamped Cards are cards with postage imprinted or impressed on them and supplied by the Postal Service for the transmission of messages. 19A.011 Double Stamped Cards. Double Stamped Cards consist of two attached cards, one of which may be [[Page 35437]] detached by the receiver and returned by mail as a single Stamped Card. 19A.020 Description of Service. Stamped Cards are available for First-Class Mail. 19A.030 Fees. The fees for Stamped Cards are set forth in Rate Schedule SS-19A. * * * * * Standard Mail Rate Schedule 321.4A--Nonprofit Subclass Presort Categories \1\ [Full Rates] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rate (cents) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Letter Size: Piece Rate: Basic..................................................... ........ \3/5\-Digit............................................... ........ Destination Entry Discount per Piece: BMC....................................................... ........ SCF....................................................... ........ Non-Letter Size: Piece Rate: Minimum per Piece: \2\ ........ Basic................................................... ........ \3/5\-Digit............................................. ........ Destination Entry Discount per Piece: BMC..................................................... ........ SCF..................................................... ........ Pound Rate:\2\ Plus per Piece Rate: Basic................................................... ........ \3/5\-Digit............................................. ........ Destination Entry Discount per Pound: BMC..................................................... ........ SCF..................................................... ........ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Schedule 321.4A Notes \1\ A fee of $85.00 must be paid once each 12-month period for each bulk mailing permit. \2\ Mailer pays either the minimum piece rate or the pound rate, whichever is higher. Standard Mail Rate Schedule 321.4B--Nonprofit Subclass Automation Categories\1\ [Full Rates] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rate (cents) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Letter Size Piece Rate: Basic Letter \3\.......................................... ........ 3-Digit Letter \4\........................................ ........ 5-Digit Letter \5\........................................ ........ Destination Entry Discount per Piece: BMC....................................................... ........ SCF....................................................... ........ Flat Size: \6\ Piece Rate: Minimum per Piece: \7\ Basic Flat \8\............................................ ........ 3/5-Digit \9\............................................. ........ Destination Entry Discount per Piece: BMC....................................................... ........ SCF....................................................... ........ Pound Rate: \7\ Plus per Piece Rate Basic Flat.............................................. ........ 3/5-Digit Flat.......................................... ........ Destination Entry Discount per Pound: BMC..................................................... ........ SCF..................................................... ........ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Schedule 321.4B Notes \1\ A fee of $85.00 must be paid once each 12-month period for each bulk mailing permit. \2\ For letter-size automation pieces meeting applicable Postal Service regulations. \3\ Rate applies to letter-size automation mail not mailed at 3-digit, 5- digit or carrier route rates. \4\ Rate applies to letter-size automation mail presorted to single or multiple three-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the Postal Service. \5\ Rate applies to letter-size automation mail presorted to single or multiple five-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the Postal Service. \6\ For flat-size automation mail meeting applicable Postal Service regulations. \7\ Mailer pays minimum piece rate or pound rate, whichever is higher. \8\ Rate applies to flat-size automation mail not mailed at 3/5-digit rate. \9\ Rate applies to flat-size automation mail presorted to single or multiple three-and five-digit ZIP Code destinations as specified by the Postal Service. Standard Mail Rate Schedule 321.5--Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Subclass \1\ [Full Rates] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rate (cents) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Letter Size: Piece Rate: Basic..................................................... ........ Basic Automated Letter \2\................................ ........ High Density.............................................. ........ Saturation................................................ ........ Destination Entry Discount per Piece: BMC....................................................... ........ SCF....................................................... ........ DDU \3\................................................... ........ Non-Letter Size: Piece Rate: Minimum per Piece: \4\ Basic................................................... ........ High Density............................................ ........ Saturation.............................................. ........ Destination Entry Discount per Piece: BMC..................................................... ........ SCF..................................................... ........ DDU \3\................................................. ........ Pound Rate: \4\ Plus per Piece Rate: Basic................................................... ........ High Density............................................ ........ Saturation.............................................. ........ Destination Entry Discount per Pound: BMC..................................................... ........ SCF..................................................... ........ DDU \3\................................................. ........ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Schedule 321.5 Notes \1\ A fee of $ must be paid each 12-month period for each bulk mailing permit. \2\ Rate applies to letter-size automation mail presorted to routes specified by the Postal Service. \3\ Applies only to enhanced carrier route mail. \4\ Mailer pays either the minimum piece rate or the pound rate, whichever is higher. * * * * * Periodicals Rate Schedule 423.2--Within County [Full Rates] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rate (cents) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per Pound: General..................................................... ........ Delivery Office\1\.......................................... ........ Per Piece: Required Presort............................................ ........ Carrier Route............................................... ........ Presort..................................................... ........ Per Piece Discounts: Delivery Office\2\.......................................... ........ High Density (formerly 125 piece)\3\........................ ........ Saturation.................................................. ........ Automation Discounts for Automation Compatible Mail\4\ From Required: 3-Digit Pre-barcoded Letter size.......................... ........ 5-Digit Pre-barcoded Letter size.......................... ........ 3/5-Digit Pre-barcoded Flats.............................. ........ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Schedule 423.2 Notes \1\ Applicable only to the pound charge of carrier route (including high density and saturation) presorted pieces to be delivered within the delivery area of the originating post office \2\ Applicable only to carrier presorted pieces to be delivered within the delivery area of the originating post office. \3\ Applicable to high density mail, deducted from carrier route presort rate. \4\ For automation compatible pieces meeting applicable Postal Service regulations. [[Page 35438]] Rate Schedule 423.3--Publications of Authorized Nonprofit Organizations \10\ [Full Rates] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rate \1\ Postage rate unit (cents) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per Pound: Nonadvertising portion................ Pound............... ........ Advertising portion:\9\ Delivery Office \2\................. Pound............... ........ SCF \3\......................... Pound............... ........ 1&2............................. Pound............... ........ 3............................... Pound............... ........ 4............................... Pound............... ........ 5............................... Pound............... ........ 6............................... Pound............... ........ 7............................... Pound............... ........ 8............................... Pound............... ........ Per Piece: Less Nonadvertising Factor of cents.\4\ Required Preparation \5\.............. Piece............... ........ Presorted to 3-digit city/5-digit..... Piece............... ........ Presorted to Carrier Route............ Piece............... ........ Discounts: Prepared to Delivery Office \2\..... Piece............... ........ High Density (formerly 125-Piece) Piece............... ........ \6\. Saturation \7\...................... Piece............... ........ Automation Discounts for Automation Compatible Mail \8\ From Required: Pre-barcoded Letter size............ Piece............... ........ Pre-barcoded Flats.................. Piece............... ........ From 3/5 Digit: 3-Digit Pre-barcoded Letter size.... Piece............... ........ 5-Digit Pre-barcoded Letter size.... Piece............... ........ Pre-barcoded Flats.................. Piece............... ........ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Schedule 423.3 Notes \1\ Charges are computed by adding the appropriate per-piece charge to the sum of the nonadvertising portion and the advertising portion, as applicable. \2\ Applies to carrier route (including high density and saturation) mail delivered within the delivery area of the originating post office. \3\ Applies to mail delivered within the SCF area of the originating SCF office. \4\ For postage calculation, multiply the proportion of nonadvertising content by this factor and subtract from the applicable piece rate. \5\ Mail presorted to 3-digit (other than 3-digit city), SCF, states, or mixed states. \6\ Applicable to high density mail, deducted from carrier route presort rate. \7\ Applicable to saturation mail, deducted from carrier route presort rate. \8\ For automation compatible mail meeting applicable Postal Service regulations. \9\ Not applicable to publications containing 10 percent or less advertising content. \10\ If qualified, nonprofit publications may use Within-County rates for applicable portions of a mailing. Periodicals Rate Schedule 423.4--Classroom Publications \10\ [Full Rates] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rate \1\ Postage rate unit (cents) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per Pound: Nonadvertising Portion................ Pound............... ........ Advertising Portion: \9\ Delivery Office \2\................. Pound............... ........ SCF \3\......................... Pound............... ........ 1&2............................. Pound............... ........ 3............................... Pound............... ........ 4............................... Pound............... ........ 5............................... Pound............... ........ 6............................... Pound............... ........ 7............................... Pound............... ........ 8............................... Pound............... ........ Per Piece: Less Nonadvertising Factor of cents: \4\ Required Preparation \5\.............. Piece............... ........ Presorted to 3-digit city/5-digit..... Piece............... ........ Presorted to Carrier Route............ Piece............... ........ Discounts: Prepared to Delivery Office. \2\.... Piece............... ........ Prepared to SCF..................... Piece............... ........ High Density (formerly 125-piece)... Piece............... ........ Saturation \7\...................... Piece............... ........ Automation Discounts for Automation Compatible Mail: \8\ From Required: Pre-barcoded Letter size.......... Piece............... ........ Pre-barcoded Flats................ Piece............... ........ From 3/5-Digit: 3-Digit Pre-barcoded Letter size.. Piece............... ........ 5-Digit Pre-barcoded Letter size.. Piece............... ........ Pre-barcoded Flats................ Piece............... ........ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Schedule 423.4 Notes \1\ Charges are computed by adding the appropriate per-piece charge to the sum of the nonadvertising portion and the advertising portion, as applicable. \2\ Applies to carrier route (including high density and saturation) mail delivered within the delivery area of the originating post office. \3\ Applies to mail delivered within the SCF area of the originating SCF office. \4\ For postage calculation, multiply the portion of nonadvertising content by this factor and subtract from the applicable piece rate. \5\ Mail presorted to 3-digit (other than 3-digit city), SCF, states, or mixed states. \6\ Applicable to high density mail, deducted from carrier route presort rate. \7\ Applicable to saturation mail, deducted from carrier route presort rate. \8\ For automation compatible mail meeting applicable Postal Service regulations. \9\ Not applicable to publications containing 10 percent or less advertising content. \10\ If qualified, Classroom Mail may use Within County rates for applicable portions of a mailing. * * * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Special services Description Fee \1\ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * * * * * * * Schedule SS-2--Business Reply Active business reply advance Mail. deposit account: Per piece: Pre-barcoded Nonletter-size, using reverse manifest (experimental) Nonletter-size, using weight averaging (experimental) Other Payment of postage due charges if active business reply mail advance deposit account not used: Per piece Annual License and Accounting Fees: Accounting Fee for Advance Deposit Account Permit fee (with or without Advance Deposit Account) Monthly Fees for customers using a reverse manifest or weight averaging for nonletter-size business reply Nonletter-size, using reverse manifest (experimental) [[Page 35439]] Nonletter-size, using weight averaging (experimental) Set-up/Qualification fee for customers using a reverse manifest or weight averaging for nonletter-size business reply Nonletter-size, using reverse manifest (experimental) Nonletter-size, using weight averaging (experimental) \1\ Experimental per piece, monthly, and set-up/ qualification fees are applicable only to participants selected by the Postal Service for the nonletter-size business reply mail experiment. The experimental fees expire June 8, 1997.\1\ * * * * * * * Schedule SS-5--Certified Mail.. Service (per mailpiece).......... (in addition to postage). * * * * * * * Schedule SS-9--Insured Mail Document Reconstruction Coverage. (in addition to postage) no charge. Part a--Express Mail Insurance. $0.01 to $500.................... Merchandise Declared Value Fee... no charge for each $100 (or fraction $ 0.01 to $ 500.................. thereof) over $500 in value. 500.01 to 5000................... Part b--General Insurance...... Declared Value Fee............... (in addition to postage). $ 0.01 to $ 50................... plus for each $100 (or fraction thereof) 50.01 to $ 100................... over $100 in declared value. 100.01 to $5000.................. Schedule SS-10--Post Office I. Semi-annual Box Fees \1\...... Fee Group A, B, C, D and E \3\ Boxes and Caller Service 1. Semi-annual Box Fees\1\....... Fee Group--A, B, C, D, E\3\ Box Size \2\ 1 2 3 4 5 II. Semi-annual Caller Service Fee Group A, B, C, D Fees III. Annual Call Number Reservation Fee (all applicable fee groups) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ A customer ineligible for carrier delivery may obtain a post office box at no charge, subject to administrative decisions regarding customer's proximity to post office. \2\ Box Size 1=under 296 cubic inches; 2=296-499 cubic inches; 3=500-999 cubic inches; 4=1000-1999 cubic inches; 5=2000 cubic inches and over. \3\ Group E post office box customers subject to these fees are those eligible for carrier delivery. * * * * * [[Page 35440]] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fees \2\ (in addition to Declared Value of Article \1\ postage) Handling charge -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Schedule SS-14--Registered Mail $0.00 to $100.................... (without insurance) None. 0.00 to 100...................... (with insurance).............. 100.01 to 500 500.01 to 1,000 1,000.01 to 2,000 2,000.01 to 3,000 3,000.01 to 4,000 4,000.01 to 5,000 5,000.01 to 6,000 6,000.01 to 7,000 7,000.01 to 8,000 8,000.01 to 9,000 9,000.01 to 10,000 10,000.01 to 11,000 11,000.01 to 12,000 12,000.01 to 13,000 13,000.01 to 14,000 14,000.01 to 15,000 15,000.01 to 16,000 16,000.01 to 17,000 17,000.01 to 18,000 18,000.01 to 19,000 19,000.01 to 20,000 20,000.01 to 21,000 21,000.01 to 22,000 22,000.01 to 23,000 23,000.01 to 24,000 24,000.01 to 25,000 25,000.01 to $1 million.......... plus.......................... cents for each $1,000 (or fraction thereof) over $25,000. Over $1 million to $15 million... plus.......................... cents for each $1,000 (or fraction thereof) over $1 million. Over $15 million................. plus.......................... Amount determined by the Postal Service based on weight, space and value. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Articles with a declared value of more than $25,000 can be registered, but compensation for loss or damage is limited to $25,000. \2\ Fees for articles with declared values of more than $100 include insurance. * * * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Description Fee (in addition to postage) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * * * * * * * Schedule SS-16--Return Receipts... Receipts Issued at Time of Mailing \1\ Items other than merchandise Merchandise (without another special service) Receipt Issued after Mailing \2\ * * * * * * * Schedule SS-19A--Stamped Cards.... Stamped Card........................ (in addition to postage). Double Stamped Card................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ This receipt shows the signature of the person to whom the mailpiece was delivered, the date of delivery and the delivery address, if such address is different from the address on the mailpiece. \2\ This receipt shows to whom the mailpiece was delivered and the date of delivery. [[Page 35441]] Issued by the Commission on June 25, 1997. Margaret P. Crenshaw, Secretary. [FR Doc. 97-17068 Filed 6-30-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710-FW-P