[Federal Register: October 8, 1996 (Volume 61, Number 196)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 52702-52703] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- POSTAL SERVICE 39 CFR Part 111 Mailing Restrictions for Domestic Packages Weighing 16 Ounces or More AGENCY: Postal Service. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This final rule sets forth revised Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) standards adopted by the Postal Service to implement restrictions on the deposit into collection receptacles of domestic packages weighing 16 ounces (1 pound) or more that bear postage stamps. This final rule extends provisions previously adopted for similar packages sent to international and APO/FPO destinations. EFFECTIVE DATE: August 16, 1996. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James E. Orlando or William F. Carleton, (202) 268-4360. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 27, 1995, the Postal Service published a final rule in the Federal Register announcing restrictions on the mailing of packages weighing 16 ounces or more to international and APO/FPO destinations (60 FR 49755-49758). These restrictions were promulgated to enhance airline security measures and to protect the traveling public, postal employees, and postal contractors who transport U.S. mail. The Postal Service developed these changes in package collection procedures in consultation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Postal Service has now determined, for the same reasons, to extend similar restrictions to packages that are deposited into collection receptacles and mailed to domestic addresses. These added provisions will affect only First-Class/Priority Mail packages weighing 16 ounces or more that bear postage stamps and that are mailed from domestic addresses. These new restrictions do not affect Express Mail, Periodicals (former second-class mail), or Standard Mail (B) (former fourth-class mail) at any weight up to the maximum of 70 pounds; any item weighing less than 16 ounces; and any package, regardless of weight, for which postage is paid with a postage meter or a permit imprint. Under the revised standards set forth below, domestic First-Class/ Priority Mail packages bearing postage stamps and weighing 16 ounces or more may not be deposited into collection receptacles, including street, lobby, and apartment boxes, or left in rural mailboxes. Instead, these packages must be presented by the sender at the local post office. A sender known to a Postal Service delivery employee may also give such packages to a city, rural, or highway contract letter carrier. Any affected package weighing 16 ounces or more that requires air transportation and that is deposited into a collection receptacle will be returned to the sender with a note asking the sender to present the package personally at the local post office or to a city, rural, or highway contract letter carrier if the sender is known to the carrier. Postage on an item improperly deposited into a collection receptacle may be used when the item is remailed at the post office. A sender who does not wish to remail a returned item may apply for a postage refund for the item at any post office. Any piece without a return address will be sent to a Postal Service mail recovery center to determine the identity of the sender for appropriate return. These changes will remain in effect until further notice. For most consumers and businesses, there should be little impact because the Postal Service believes that less than one percent of its package volume is in the affected [[Page 52703]] categories. Although some customers may view these changes as an inconvenience, the Postal Service believes that the increased security these additional procedures may bring about outweigh their negative impact. In addition, as discussed above, customers will retain the opportunity to obtain a full range of package services at their local post offices or from their rural letter carriers. In view of these factors, the Postal Service has determined that this change to its regulations is primarily a matter of internal practice and procedures that will not substantially affect the rights or obligations of private parties. Moreover, because of the need to act expeditiously in this matter to protect the safety of the public and postal employees and contractors, the Postal Service has determined that the notice and public comment procedure on this change would be impracticable and inconsistent with the public interest and that this change should take effect immediately. List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111 Postal Service. For the reasons discussed above, the Postal Service hereby adopts the following amendments to the Domestic Mail Manual, which is incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations (see 39 CFR part 111). PART 111--[AMENDED] 1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as follows: Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 3001- 3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3626, 5001. 2. Revise the following sections of the Domestic Mail Manual as set forth below: D DEPOSIT, COLLECTION, AND DELIVERY * * * * * D100 First-Class Mail * * * * * 2.0 MAIL DEPOSIT [Revise 2.1 and 2.3 and add new 2.6 to read as follows:] 2.1 Single-Piece and Card Rates Single-piece rate and card rate First-Class Mail, and single- piece rate Priority Mail weighing less than 16 ounces, may be deposited into any collection box, mailchute, or mail receptacle or at any place where mail is accepted if the full required postage is paid with adhesive stamps. Metered mail must be deposited in locations under the jurisdiction of the licensing post office, except as permitted under P030. Permit imprint mail must be presented at a post office under P040 or P700. * * * * * 2.3 Zoned Rate Priority Mail Unless restricted by 2.6, pickup service for Priority Mail is available under D010. Single-piece rate Priority Mail paid with adhesive stamps and weighing 16 ounces or more must be presented at a post office retail counter or handed to a postal carrier as prescribed by 2.6. Metered mail must be deposited in locations under the jurisdiction of the licensing post office, except as permitted under P030. Permit imprint mail must be presented at a post office under P040 or P700. * * * * * 2.6 Restriction Single-piece rate Priority Mail weighing 16 ounces or more must be presented at a post office retail counter if postage is paid with adhesive stamps. The sender may be required to provide identification before the mail is accepted by the USPS. Such mail may be presented by a sender known to the postal carrier at the sender's residence or place of business. Priority Mail weighing 16 ounces or more and not complying with the requirements of this section is returned to the sender for proper deposit. * * * * * E ELIGIBILITY E000 Special Eligibility Standards E010 Overseas Military Mail 1.0 BASIC INFORMATION * * * * * [Add new 1.7 to read as follows:] 1.7 Restriction Regardless of postage payment method, the following types of mail weighing 16 ounces or more must be presented at a post office retail counter: all single-piece rate Priority Mail; all single- piece rate Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, and Special Standard Mail; and all Library Mail. The sender may be required to provide identification before the mail is accepted by the USPS. Such mail may be presented by a sender known to the postal carrier at the sender's residence or place of business. Mail not complying with the requirements of this section and requiring air transportation is returned to the sender for proper deposit. * * * * * Stanley F. Mires, Chief Counsel, Legislative. [FR Doc. 96-25782 Filed 10-7-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710-12-P