[Federal Register: December 6, 1996 (Volume 61, Number 236)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 64618-64622] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- POSTAL SERVICE 39 CFR Part 111 Domestic Mail Manual; Miscellaneous Amendments AGENCY: Postal Service. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This document describes the numerous amendments consolidated in the Transmittal Letter for Issue 51 of the Domestic Mail Manual, which is incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations, see 39 CFR 111.1. These amendments reflect changes in mail preparation requirements and miscellaneous other rules and regulations. EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 1997. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Neil Berger, (202) 268-2859. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The DMM, incorporated by reference in title 39, Code of Federal Regulations, part 111, contains the basic standards of the U.S. Postal Service governing its domestic mail services; descriptions of the mail classes and special services and conditions governing their use; and standards for rate eligibility and mail preparation. The document is amended and republished about every 6 months, with each issue sequentially numbered. DMM Issue 51, the next edition of the DMM, is scheduled for release on January 1, 1997. That issue will contain substantive changes to mail preparation standards and mail classification for nonprofit rate categories for Periodicals and Nonprofit Standard Mail. These standards were published on August 15, 1996, in the Federal Register (61 FR 42478-42489), as approved on August 6, 1996, by the USPS to implement the Decision of the Governors of the Postal Service in Postal Rate Commission Docket No. MC96-2, Classification Reform II. Those standards took effect at 12:01 a.m., October 6, 1996, aligning the preparation rules adopted on July 1 for commercial mail with those for nonprofit mail. The following excerpt from section I010, Summary of Changes, of the transmittal for DMM Issue 51 covers the minor changes not previously described in that final rule or in other interim or final rules published in the Federal Register. In addition, the revised contents of DMM Issue 51 are also presented. Domestic Mail Manual Issue 51 Summary of Changes Address Adjustments F010.2.0 clarifies the policy for delivery and address list correction services provided to mailers who send mail to addresses converted by the USPS. Such mail is delivered to the correct locations for 1 year from the date when the converted addresses appear in the bimonthly USPS Address Information System (AIS) products. For up to 3 years after the conversion date, postmasters must provide manual galley list corrections. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96)). Automation Flats Length C820.2.3b(2) decreases from 6 to 5\3/8\ inches the required length for pieces claimed at automation rates for flats if the pieces are not more than 7\1/2\ inches [[Page 64619]] high. Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21922 (6-20-96)). The expiration date for this exception is extended through June 30, 1997. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96)). Bound Printed Matter M630.2.6d shows that the ADC sortation for Bound Printed Matter is required, not optional as printed in DMM Issue 50. Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21923 (7-4-96)). Carrier Route Mail--Hard Copy CRIS Files E230.2.1 and E630.2.4 provide an option for assigning carrier route codes to nonautomation carrier route mail by using hard copy Carrier Route Information System (CRIS) files for assigning these codes within 90 days before the mailing date. Additional matching against the USPS ZIP+4 database with software certified by the Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) is not required when this optional method is used for assigning carrier codes. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26- 96)). Carrier Route Mail--Simplified Addressing E140.1.4, E231.2.1 (renumbered as 230.2.1), E632.1.4 (E630.2.4), and E641.2.3 (E640.2.3) clarify that mailings prepared with a simplified address under A040 are exempt from the standard for use of CASS-certified software for carrier route coding. Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21923 (7-4-96)). Collect on Delivery (COD) S921.1.2 specifies the availability of COD service for single-piece Standard Mail (A) and for all Standard Mail (B). Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96)). Content Identifier Codes Exhibit M032.1.3c adds content identified codes and corresponding content identifier names (CINs) for Periodicals and Standard Letters. Effective July 1, 1996; mandatory August 17, 1996 (PB 21922 (6-20-96)). Domestic Mail Definition G011.2.0 and S921.1.3 amend the definitions of domestic and international mail and update the places to which U.S. domestic mail service extends. Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21922 (6-20-96)). Editorial Amendments A010, A040, A920, A930, C010, C023, C100, C500, C600, C810, D010, D020, D042, D072, D100, D910, D920, E060, E110, F010, M072, M500, P023, and S020 reflect changes that combine and renumber certain sections. Exhibits A010.1.2, A010.2.3, A010.5.1, A920.2.5, A920.2.6, C600.1.2b, C810.7.2b, P023.1.8, P023.1.11a, P023.1.11b, and P023.1.12 are removed. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21928 (9-12-96)). Express Mail--Adult Fowl C022.3.3 and C022.3.4 permit the mailing of adult fowl by Express Mail without the condition of available next-day delivery as a requirement. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96)). Label Dimensions M031.2.1c corrects the shortest permitted length for sack labels to 3.250 inches. M032.2.3d corrects the maximum length for barcoded sack labels to 3.375 inches. Effective November 1, 1996 (PB 21931 (10-24- 96)). Labeling Lists L004 includes instructions for ordering labels from the USPS Label Printing Center. Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21922 (6-20-96)). L002, L003, L004, L005, L102, L801, L802, and L803 reflect changes in mail processing operations. Effective August 1, 1996; mandatory October 6, 1996 (PB 21925 (8-1-96)). L002, L003, L004, L005, L102, L604, and L801 reflect changes in mail processing operations. Effective November 21, 1996; mandatory January 18, 1997 (PB 21933 (11-21-96)). Marking Standards M012.2.1. M130.1.1, M610.2.1e, M620.1.1e, M810.1.3, and M820.1.4 revise the marking standards for non-carrier route automation rate First-Class Mail and Standard Mail (A), nonautomation rate Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail, and all bulk rate First-Class Mail and Standard Mail (A). Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21922 (6-20-96)). Metered Mail Preparation E130.2.0, E620.1.4, and P030.5.2 remove the packaging requirement for letter-size metered mail paid at the single-piece rate for First- Class Mail or Standard Mail (A) if the mail is placed in a 1-foot or 2- foot letter tray and can fill at least three-fourths of the tray. For single-piece rate metered mail not placed in trays, five or more pieces must be faced and prepared as packages. Effective November 1, 1996 (PB 21931 (10-24-96)). Military Mail E010.2.6 reflects the use of customs forms and acceptance procedures for certain military mail. Effective August 16, 1996 (PB 21920 (5-23-96) and PB 21926 (8-15-96)). Nonstandard Surcharge C100.4.0 and E140.1.6 clarify that the surcharge for nonstandard- size mail applies to flats weighing 1 ounce or less that are mailed at First-Class automation rates and come within the range of dimensions specified in C100.4.0. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96)). Optional Package Labeling M130.2.1a, M200.2.4c, and M610.3.1a clarify that labeling nonautomation presorted First-Class Mail, Periodicals, and Standard Mail (A) is optional for mail placed in full 5-digit trays. Effective November 1, 1996 (PB 21931 (10-24-96)). Overflow Tray M033.2.1j is added to clarify that an overflow tray is permitted when the minimum number of pieces required for rate or presort eligibility is available but exceeds the capacity of a 2-foot tray. Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21923 (7-4-96)). Pallets and Manifesting M013.1.0, M014.2.0, M031.4.0, M031.5.0, M033.1.0, M033.2.0, M041.1.0, M041.3.0, M041.5.0, M041.6.0, M045.4.0, M045.5.0, M630.2.0, M630.3.0, P710.2.0, P710.3.0, and P710.4.0 clarify and correct standards for palletized and manifested mail. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21928 (9-12-96)). Parcel Restrictions D100.2.1 and D100.2.3 are revised and D100.2.6 is added to restrict the mailing of single-piece rate Priority Mail parcels weighing 16 ounces or more that are paid with adhesive stamps. E010.1.7 is added to reflect restrictions on the mailing of all single-piece rate packages weighing 16 ounces or more that are addressed to overseas military installations, regardless of postage payment method. The affected military mail is single-piece rate Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, and Special Standard Mail; single-piece rate Priority Mail; and all Library Mail. The classes and subclasses of mail affected by D100.2.6 and E010.1.7 must be presented at a post office or handed to a USPS delivery employee known to the employee and at the sender's residence or place of business. Effective August 16, 1996 (PB 21930 (10-10-96)). [[Page 64620]] Periodicals--Additional Entry D210.2.2 (redesignated as D210.2.0), D210.4.0, D230.1.0, D230.2.0, D230.3.2, D230.3.5, D230.4.2, D230.4.3, D230.4.4, D230.4.7, P200.3.0, P750.1.0, P750.2.4, and P750.2.6 amend the additional entry standards for Periodicals. Effective August 1, 1996 (PB 21925 (8-1-96)). Periodicals--Enclosures E070.3.2c is removed from E070.3.2 to reconcile the standards in that section with DMM C200.3.0 for the dimension of enclosures inserted in Periodicals publications. Effective August 1, 1996 (PB 21925 (8-1- 96)). Periodicals--In-County Rates E212.2.0, E270.1.0, and E270.4.0, clarify the advertising standards for publications of institutions and societies and the eligibility standards for In-County and Nonprofit Preferred periodicals. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21928 (9-12-96)). Periodicals--Original Entry E213.1.7 removes the requirement to submit two copies each of at least four issues of a publication distributed primarily through news agents. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21928 (9-12-96)). Periodicals--Previous Issues P200.1.8 clarifies how to determine the advertising percentage for a mailing consisting in whole or in part of copies of back issues. The advertising and nonadvertising percentages of the edition making up the bulk of the current issue are to be used for all copies in the combined mailing. Effective November 1, 1996 (PB 21930 (10-10-96)). Periodicals--Sacking M200.1.4 clarifies that the exception for preparing packages with fewer than six pieces and sacks with as few as one package is an option available only for nonletter-size mail. Effective November 1, 1996 (PB 21931 (10-24-96)). Plants and Animals C022.6.0 and C022.7.0 clarify and add provisions about certain statutes (39 U.S.C. 3015 and 18 U.S.C. 1716D) on nonmailable plants, plant products, and plant pests; injurious animals; and illegally taken fish, wildlife, and plants. D500.1.0, P014.2.0, P014.5.0, and S500.2.0 clarify that an Express Mail postage refund is not made for a proper detention of mail for law enforcement purposes. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96)). Reply Pieces C810.8.1, E140.1.5, E241.1.2 (renumbered as E240.1.2), (E641.1.2) (E640.1.2), and (E641.2.4 (E640.2.4) clarify that the standards for letter-size cards and letters enclosed in automation rate mail apply only if those reply pieces are returned to a domestic address. Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21923 (7-4-96)). Scheme Designation M810.2.3c and M810.3.2a clarify that ``SCHEME'' is replaced on Line 2 of tray labels with the information shown for the destination in L002, Column B. Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21923 (7-4-96)). Sharps C023.10.0 adds the terms etiologic agents and sharps to the heading of C023.10.0, which provides standards for mailable medical and biological matter. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96) and PB 21930 (10-10-96)). Sortation Levels M011.1.2h clarifies that the presort term origin 3-digit(s) can include as an option the 3-digit ZIP Code area where the mail is entered but not necessarily verified. M011.1.2i clarifies that mail prepared on pallets as an SCF sort may include mail for only a single 3-digit ZIP Code area for the SCF and still be considered an SCF sort. Effective November 1, 1996 (PB 21931 (10-24-96)). Upgradable Mail M011.1.4, M130.3.1, M130.3.2a, M610.4.1, M610.4.2a clarify that upgradable letter-size pieces prepared under the applicable option for First-Class Mail or Standard Mail (A) may not be combined (sorted) with nonupgradable pieces or automation rate pieces in the same mailing. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96)). Zebra Code M033.1.4 permits mailers to print the zebra code either as a series of vertical marks or as a series of diagonal marks. The zebra code is required on all barcoded tray labels used for trays that contain automation rate mail. Effective November 1, 1996 (PB 21931 (10-24-96)). List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111 Postal Service. In consideration of the foregoing, 39 CFR part 111 is amended as set forth below: 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. The table at the end of Sec. 111.3(e) is amended by adding at the end thereof a new entry to read as follows: Sec. 111.3 Amendments to the Domestic Mail Manual. * * * * * (e) * * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Federal Register Transmittal letter for issue Dated publication ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * 51.............................. January 1, 1997... 61 FR [INSERT PAGE NUMBER] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3. Section 111.5 is revised to read as follows: Sec. 111.5 Contents of the Domestic Mail Manual. A000 Basic Addressing A010 General Addressing Standards A040 Alternative Addressing Formats A060 Detached Address Labels (DALs) A800 Addressing for Automation A900 Customer Support A910 Mailing List Services A920 Addressing Sequencing Services A930 Other Services A950 Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) C000 General Information C010 General Mailability Standards C020 Restricted or Nonmailable Articles and Substances C021 Articles and Substances Generally C022 Perishables C023 Hazardous Matter C024 Other Restricted or Nonmailable Matter C030 Nonmailable Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter C031 Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter Generally C032 Sexually Oriented Advertisements C033 Pandering Advertisements C050 Mail Processing Categories C100 First-Class Mail C200 Periodicals C500 Express Mail C600 Standard Mail C800 Automation-Compatible Mail C810 Letters and Cards C820 Flats C830 OCR Standards C840 Barcoding Standards [[Page 64621]] D000 Basic Information D010 Pickup Service D020 Plant Load D030 Recall of Mail D040 Delivery of Mail D041 Customer Mail Receptacles D042 Conditions of Delivery D070 Drop Shipment D071 Express Mail and Priority Mail D072 Metered Mail D100 First-Class Mail D200 Periodicals D210 Basic Information D230 Additional Entry D500 Express Mail D600 Standard Mail D900 Other Delivery Services D910 Post Office Box Service D920 Caller Service D930 General Delivery and Firm Holdout E000 Special Eligibility Standards E010 Overseas Military Mail E020 Department of State Mail E030 Mail Sent by U.S. Armed Forces E040 Free Matter for the Blind and Other Handicapped Persons E050 Official Mail (Franked) E060 Official Mail (Penalty) E070 Mixed Classes E080 Absentee Balloting Materials E100 First-Class Mail E110 Basic Standards E120 Priority Mail E130 Nonautomation Rates E140 Automation Rates E200 Periodicals E210 Basic Standards E211 All Periodicals E212 Qualification Categories E213 Periodicals Mailing Privileges E214 Reentry E215 Copies Not Paid or Requested by Addressee E216 Publisher Records E230 Nonautomation Rates E240 Automation Rates E250 Destination Entry E270 Preferred Periodicals E500 Express Mail E600 Standard Mail E610 Basic Standards E611 All Standard Mail E612 Additional Standards for Standard Mail (A) E613 Additional Standards for Standard Mail (B) E620 Nonautomation Nonpresort Rates E630 Nonautomation Presort Rates E640 Automation Rates E650 Destination Entry E651 Regular, Nonprofit, and Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail E652 Parcel Post E670 Nonprofit Standard Mail F000 Basic Services F010 Basic Information F020 Forwarding F030 Address Correction, Address Change, and Return Services G000 The USPS and Mailing Standards G010 Basic Business Information G011 Post Offices and Postal Services G013 Trademarks and Copyrights G020 Mailing Standards G030 Postal Zones G040 Information Resources G041 Postal Business Centers G042 Rates and Classification Service Centers G043 Address List for Correspondence G090 Experimental Classifications and Rates G091 Barcoded Small Parcels G900 Philatelic Services L000 General Use L002 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Matrix L003 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Groups for 3-Digit Scheme Sortation L004 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Groups for ADC Sortation L005 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Groups for SCF Sortation L100 First-Class Mail L102 ADCs--Presorted Priority Mail L600 Standard Mail L601 BMCs--Machinable Parcels L602 BMCs--DBMC Rates L603 ADCs--Irregular Parcels L604 Originating ADCs--Irregular Parcels L800 Automation Rate Mailings L801 AADCs--Letter-Size Mailings L802 BMC/ASF Entry--Periodicals and Standard Mail (A) L803 Non-BMC/ASF Entry--Periodicals and Standard Mail (A) M000 General Preparation Standards M010 Mailpieces M011 Basic Standards M012 Markings and Endorsements M013 Optional Endorsement Lines M014 Carrier Route Information Lines M020 Packages and Bundles M030 Containers M031 Labels M032 Barcoded Labels M033 Sacks and Trays M040 Pallets M041 General Standards M045 Palletized Mailings M050 Delivery Sequence M070 Mixed Classes M071 Basic Information M072 Express Mail and Priority Mail Drop Shipment M073 Combined Mailings of Standard Mail Machinable Parcels M074 Plant Load Mailings M100 First-Class Mail (Nonautomation) M120 Priority Mail M130 Presorted First-Class Mail M200 Periodicals (Nonautomation) M500 Express Mail M600 Standard Mail (Nonautomation) M610 Single-Piece and Nonautomation Standard Mail (A) M620 Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail M630 Standard Mail (B) M800 All Automation Mail M810 Letter-Size Mail M820 Flat-Size Mail P000 Basic Information P010 General Standards P011 Payment P012 Documentation P013 Rate Application and Computation P014 Refunds and Exchanges P020 Postage Stamps and Stationery P021 Stamped Stationery P022 Adhesive Stamps P023 Precanceled Stamps P030 Postage Meters and Meter Stamps P040 Permit Imprints P070 Mixed Classes P100 First-Class Mail P200 Periodicals P500 Express Mail P600 Standard Mail P700 Special Postage Payment Systems P710 Manifest Mailing System (MMS) P720 Optional Procedure (OP) Mailing System P730 Alternate Mailing Systems (AMS) P750 Plant-Verified Drop Shipment (PVDS) P760 Fist-Class or Standard Mail Mailings With Different Payment Methods R000 Stamps and Stationery R100 First-Class Mail R200 Periodicals R500 Express Mail R600 Standard Mail R900 Services S000 Miscellaneous Services S010 Indemnity Claims S020 Money Orders and Other Services S070 Mixed Classes S500 Special Services for Express Mail S900 Special Postal Services S910 Security and Accountability S911 Registered Mail S912 Certified Mail S913 Insured Mail S914 Certificate of Mailing S915 Return Receipt S916 Restricted Delivery S917 Return Receipt for Merchandise S920 Convenience S921 Collect on Delivery (COD) Mail S922 Business Reply Mail (BRM) S923 Merchandise Return Service S930 Handling I000 Information I010 Summary of Changes I020 References 1021 Forms Glossary [[Page 64622]] 1022 Subject Index Stanley F. Mires, Chief Counsel, Legislative. [FR Doc. 96-31116 Filed 12-5-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710-12-M