[Federal Register: March 12, 1996 (Volume 61, Number 49)] [Notices] [Page 10219-10250] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [[Page 10219]] _______________________________________________________________________ Part III Postal Service _______________________________________________________________________ Changes in Domestic Mail Classifications and Rates; Notice [[Page 10220]] POSTAL SERVICE Changes in Domestic Mail Classifications and Rates AGENCY: Postal Service. ACTION: Notice of implementation of changes to the Domestic Mail Classification Schedule and accompanying rate changes. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This notice sets forth the changes to the Domestic Mail Classification Schedule and the accompanying rate changes to be implemented as a result of the decision of the Governors of the Postal Service on Classification Reform I. EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 1996. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Grayson M. Poats, (202) 268-2981. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 24, 1995, pursuant to its authority under 39 U.S.C. 3621 et seq., the Postal Service filed with the Postal Rate Commission (PRC) a request for a recommended decision on a number of mail classification reform proposals (``Classification Reform I''), PRC Docket No. MC95-1. The PRC published a notice in the Federal Register on April 3, 1995 (60 FR 16888-16893) describing the Postal Service's request and offering interested parties an opportunity to intervene. On January 26, 1996, the PRC issued an Opinion and Recommended Decision 2 in Docket No. MC95-1. The PRC's recommendation made significant revisions to some of the mail classification structure and rates requested by the Postal Service and included classification recommendations that were not based on those proposed by the Postal Service. On March 4, 1996, the Governors of the Postal Service, pursuant to their authority under 39 U.S.C. 3625, acted on the PRC's Recommended Decision in Docket No. MC95-1 in two separate decisions. In one decision, the Governors rejected the PRC's recommendations regarding Courtesy Envelope Mail and Bulk Parcel Post. Decision of the Governors of the United States Postal Service on the Recommended Decision of the Postal Rate Commission on Courtesy Envelope Mail and Bulk Parcel Post, Docket No. MC95-1 (March 4, 1996). In the second decision, the Governors approved the remainder of the PRC's Classification Reform recommendations and accompanying rate changes. Decision of the Governors of the United States Postal Service on the Recommended Decision of the Postal Rate Commission on Classification Reform I, Docket No. MC95-1 (March 4, 1996). A copy of the attachments to that Decision, setting forth the classification and rate changes approved by the Governors, is set forth below. Also on March 4, 1996, the Board of Governors of the Postal Service, pursuant to their authority under 39 U.S.C. 3625(f), determined to implement the rate and classification changes approved by the Governors effective at 12:01 a.m. on July 1, 1996 (Resolution No. 96-2). In accordance with the Decision of the Governors and Resolution No. 96-2, the Postal Service hereby gives notice that the classification and rate changes set forth below will become effective at 12:01 a.m. on July 1, 1996. Implementing regulations also become effective at that time, as noted elsewhere in this issue. Stanley F. Mires, Chief Counsel, Legislative. Attachment A to the Decision of the Governors of the United States Postal Service on the Recommended Decision of the Postal Rate Commission on Classification Reform I, Docket No. MC95-1 March 4, 1996. Changes to the Domestic Mail Classification Schedule Amend Classification Schedule 500, Express Mail, by inserting the italicized text and deleting the text in brackets, as follows: Expedited Mail Classification Schedule [Classification Schedule 500--Express Mail] 110 [500.01] Definition [500.010] Expedited Mail is mail matter entered as Express Mail in accordance with the provisions of this Schedule. Any matter eligible for mailing may, at the option of the mailer, be mailed as Express Mail. 120 [500.02] Description of Services 121 [500.020] Same Day Airport Service Same Day Airport Service is available between designated airport mail facilities. 122 [500.021] Custom Designed Service 122.1 General. Custom Designed service is available between designated postal facilities or other designated locations for mailable matter tendered in accordance with a service agreement between the Postal Service and the mailer. Service under a service agreement shall be offered in a manner consistent with 39 U.S.C. 403(c). 122.2 Service Agreement. [500.0211] A service agreement shall set forth the following: a. The scheduled place for each shipment tendered for service to each specific destination; b. Scheduled place for claim, or delivery, at destination for each scheduled shipment; c. Scheduled time of day for tender at origin and for claim or delivery at destination. 122.3 Pickup and Delivery. [500.0212] Pickup at the mailer's premises, and/or delivery at an address other than the destination postal facility is provided under terms and conditions as prescribed by the Postal Service. 122.4 [500.042] Commencement of Service Agreement. Service provided pursuant to a service agreement shall commence not more than 10 days after the signed service agreement is tendered to the Postal Service. 122.5 [500.043] Termination of Service Agreement[s] 122.51 Termination by Postal Service. [a.] Express Mail service provided pursuant to a service agreement may be terminated by the Postal Service upon 10 days' prior written notice to the mailer if: a. [1.] Service cannot be provided for reasons beyond the control of the Postal Service or because of changes in Postal Service facilities or operations, or b. [2.] The mailer fails to adhere to the terms of the service agreement or this schedule. 122.52 Termination by Mailers. [b.] The mailer may terminate a service agreement, for any reason, by notice to the Postal Service. 123 [500.022] Next Day Service and Second Day Service 123.1. Availability of Services. [500.0221] Next Day and Second Day Services are available at designated retail postal facilities to designated destination facilities or locations for items tendered by the time or times prescribed by the Postal Service. [500.0222] Next Day Service is available for overnight delivery. [500.0223] Second Day Service is available for second day delivery. 123.2 Pickup Service. [500.0224] Pickup service is available for Next Day and Second Day Services under terms and conditions as prescribed by the Postal Service. Service shall be offered in a manner consistent with 39 U.S.C. 403(c). 130 [500.03] Physical Limitations [500.030] Express Mail may not exceed 70 pounds or 108 inches in length and girth combined. [[Page 10221]] 140 Postage and Preparation [500.081] Except as provided in Rate Schedules 121, 122 and 123, [501, 502 and 503] postage on Express Mail is charged on each piece. For shipments tendered in Express Mail pouches under a service agreement, each pouch is a piece. 150 Deposit and Delivery 151 [500.05] Deposit [of Mail] [500.050] Express Mail must be deposited at places designated by the Postal Service. 152 [500.040 Evidence of Mailing] Receipt A receipt showing the time and date of mailing will be provided to the mailer upon acceptance of Express Mail by the Postal Service. This receipt serves as evidence of mailing. 153 [500.06] Service [500.060] Express Mail service provides a high speed, high reliability service. [500.0601] Same Day Airport Express Mail will be dispatched on the next available transportation to the destination airport mail facility. [500.0602] Custom Designed Express Mail will be available for claim or delivery as specified in the service agreement. 154 [500.07] Forwarding and Return [500.070] When Express Mail is returned, or forwarded, as prescribed by the Postal Service, there will be no additional charge. 160 Ancillary Services [500.090] The following services may be obtained in conjunction with mail sent under this classification schedule upon payment of applicable fees: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Service Schedule ------------------------------------------------------------------------ a. Address correction..................... SS-1 b. Return receipts........................ SS-16 c. COD.................................... SS-6 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 170 [500.08] Rates and Fees [500.080] The rates for Express Mail are set forth in the following rate schedules: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Rate] [s] Schedule ------------------------------------------------------------------------ a. Same Day Airport....................................... [500] 121 b. Custom Designed........................................ [501] 122 c. Next Day Post Office-to-Post Office.................... [502] 123 d. Second Day Post Office-to-Post Office.................. [502] 123 e. Next Day Post Office-to-Addressee...................... [503] 123 f. Second Day Post Office-to-Addressee.................... [503] 123 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 180[500.041] Insurance and Indemnity 181 Insurance Coverage Express Mail is insured against loss, damage or rifling at no additional charge. 182 Indemnity Coverage 182.1 Payment of Indemnity. Indemnity will be paid by the Postal Service as follows: a. For document reconstruction the maximum liability is $50,000 per piece, up to $500,000 per occurrence regardless of the number of claimants, to be paid under terms and conditions prescribed by the Postal Service. b. For merchandise the maximum liability is $500 to be paid under terms and conditions prescribed by the Postal Service. c. For mailings valued at $15 or less, for negotiable items, or currency or bullion, the indemnity is $15 to be paid under terms and conditions prescribed by the Postal Service. 182.2 [500.0411] Indemnity Not Available. Indemnity will not be paid by the Postal Service for loss, damage or rifling: a. Of nonmailable matter; b. Due to improper packaging; c. Seizure by any agency of government; or, d. Due to war, insurrection or civil disturbances. 183 [500.044] Insurance Claims And Procedures Claims for refunds of postage or insurance must be filed within the period of time and under terms and conditions prescribed by the Postal Service. 184 Refunds 184.1 Same Day Airport. [500.045] 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. 184.2 Custom Designed. [500.046] 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. 184.3 Next Day. [500.047] 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. 184.4 Second Day. [500.048] 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. Delete Classification Schedule 100, First-Class Mail, in its entirety and replace it with the following: First-Class Mail Classification Schedule 210 Definition Any matter eligible for mailing may, at the option of the mailer, be mailed as First-Class Mail. The following must be mailed as First- Class Mail, unless mailed as Express Mail or exempt under title 39, United States Code, or except as authorized under sections 344.12, 344.23 and 443: a. Mail sealed against postal inspection as set forth in section 5000; b. Matter wholly or partially in handwriting or typewriting except as specifically permitted by sections 312, 313, 323, 344.22, and 446; c. Matter having the character of actual and personal correspondence except as specifically permitted by sections 312, 313, 323, 344.22, and 446; and d. Bills and statements of account. 220 Description of Subclasses 221 Letters and Sealed Parcels Subclass 221.1 General. The Letters and Sealed Parcels subclass consists of First-Class Mail weighing 11 ounces or less that is not mailed under section 222 or 223. 221.2 Regular Rate Categories. The regular rate categories consist of Letters and Sealed Parcels subclass mail not mailed under section 221.3. 221.21 Single Piece Rate Category. The single piece rate category applies to [[Page 10222]] regular rate Letters and Sealed Parcels subclass mail not mailed under section 221.22. 221.22 Presort Rate Category. The Presort rate category applies to Letters and Sealed Parcels subclass mail that: a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 500 pieces; b. Is presorted, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal Service; and c. Meets the addressing and other preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 221.24 Nonstandard Size Surcharge. Regular rate category Letters and Sealed Parcels subclass mail is subject to a surcharge if it is nonstandard size mail, as defined in section 232. 221.25 Presort Discount for Pieces Weighing More Than Two Ounces. Presort rate category Letters and Sealed Parcels subclass mail is eligible for an additional presort discount on each piece weighing more than two ounces. 221.3 Automation Rate Categories 221.31 General. The automation rate categories consist of Letters and Sealed Parcels subclass mail weighing 11 ounces or less that: a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 500 pieces; b. Is presorted, marked, and presented as specified by the Postal Service; c. Bears a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not including ``correction'' digits) as prescribed by the Postal Service; and d. Meets the machinability, addressing, barcoding, and other preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 221.32 Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to letter-size automation rate category mail not mailed under section 221.33, 221.34, or 221.35. 221.33 Three-Digit Rate Category. The three-digit 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. 221.34 Five-Digit Rate Category. The five-digit 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. 221.35 Carrier Route Rate Category. The carrier route rate category applies to letter-size automation rate category mail presorted to carrier routes. It is available only for those carrier routes prescribed by the Postal Service. 221.36 Basic Flats Rate Category. The basic flats rate category applies to flat-size automation rate category mail not mailed under section 221.37. 221.37 Three- and Five-Digit Flats Rate Category. The three- and five-digit flats rate category applies to flat-size automation rate category mail presorted to single or multiple three- and five-digit ZIP Code destinations as specified by the Postal Service. 221.38 Nonstandard Size Surcharge. Flat-size automation rate category pieces are subject to a surcharge if they are nonstandard size mail, as defined in section 232. 221.39 Presort Discount for Pieces Weighing More Than Two Ounces. Presorted automation rate category mail is eligible for an additional presort discount on each piece weighing more than two ounces. 222 Postal and Post Cards Subclass 222.1 Definition 222.11 Postal Card. A postal card is a card with postage imprinted or impressed on it and supplied by the Postal Service for the transmission of messages. 222.12 Post Card. A post card is a privately printed mailing card for the transmission of messages. To be eligible to be mailed as a First-Class post card, a card must be of uniform thickness and must not exceed any of the following dimensions: a. 6 inches in length; b. 4\1/4\ inches in width; c. 0.016 inch in thickness. 222.13 Double Cards. Double postal or post cards may be mailed as postal or post cards. A double postal or post card consists of two attached cards, one of which may be detached by the receiver and returned by mail as a single postal or post card. 222.2 Restriction. A mailpiece with any of the following characteristics is not mailable as a postal or post card unless it is prepared as prescribed by the Postal Service: a. Numbers or letters unrelated to postal purposes appearing in the address portion of the card; b. Punched holes; c. Vertical tearing guide; d. An address portion which is smaller than the remainder of the card. 222.3 Regular Rate Categories 222.31 Single Piece Rate Category. The single piece rate category applies to regular rate Postal and Post Cards subclass mail not mailed under section 222.32. 222.32 Presort Rate Category. The presort rate category applies to Postal and Post Cards subclass mail that: a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 500 pieces; b. Is presorted, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal Service; and c. Meets the addressing and other preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 222.4 Automation Rate Categories 222.41 General. The automation rate categories consist of Postal and Post Cards subclass mail that: a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 500 pieces; b. Is presorted, marked, and presented as specified by the Postal Service; c. Bears a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not including ``correction'' digits) as prescribed by the Postal Service; and d. Meets the machinability, addressing, barcoding, and other preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 222.42 Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to automation rate category cards not mailed under section 222.43, 222.44, or 222.45. 222.43 Three-Digit Rate Category. The three-digit rate category applies to automation rate category cards presorted to single or multiple three-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the Postal Service. 222.44 Five-Digit Rate Category. The five-digit rate category applies to automation rate category cards presorted to single or multiple five-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the Postal Service. 222.45 Carrier Route Rate Category. The carrier route rate category applies to automation rate category cards presorted to carrier routes. It is available only for those carrier routes prescribed by the Postal Service. 223 Priority Mail 223.1 General. The Priority Mail subclass consists of: a. First-Class Mail weighing more than 11 ounces; and b. Any mailable matter which, at the option of the mailer, is mailed for expeditious mailing and transportation. 223.2 Single Piece Priority Mail Rate Category. The single piece Priority Mail rate category applies to Priority Mail subclass mail not mailed under section 223.3. 223.3 Presorted Priority Mail Rate Category. The presorted Priority Mail rate category applies to Priority Mail subclass mail that: a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 300 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. [[Page 10223]] 223.4 Flat Rate Envelope. Priority Mail subclass mail sent in a ``flat rate'' envelope provided by the Postal Service is charged the two-pound rate. 223.5 Pickup Service. Pickup service is available for Priority Mail subclass mail under terms and conditions prescribed by the Postal Service. 223.6 Bulky Parcels. Priority Mail subclass mail weighing less than 15 pounds, and measuring over 84 inches in length and girth combined, is charged a minimum rate equal to that for a 15-pound parcel for the zone to which the piece is addressed. 230 Physical Limitations 231 Size and Weight First-Class Mail may not exceed 70 pounds or 108 inches in length and girth combined. Additional size and weight limitations apply to individual First-Class Mail subclasses. 232 Nonstandard Size Mail Letters and Sealed Parcels 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; ii. 6.125 inches in width; or iii. 0.25 inch in thickness. 240 Postage and Preparation Postage on First-Class Mail must be paid as set forth in section 3000. Postage is computed separately on each piece of mail. Pieces not within the same postage rate increment may be mailed at other than a single piece rate as part of the same mailing only when specific methods approved by the Postal Service for ascertaining and verifying postage are followed. All mail mailed at other than a single piece rate must have postage paid in a manner not requiring cancellation. 250 Deposit and Delivery 251 Deposit First-Class Mail must be deposited at places and times designated by the Postal Service. 252 Service First-Class Mail receives expeditious handling and transportation, except that when First-Class Mail is attached to or enclosed with mail of another class, the service of that class applies. 253 Forwarding and Return First-Class Mail that is undeliverable-as-addressed is forwarded or returned to the sender without additional charge. 260 Ancillary Services First-Class Mail, except as otherwise noted, will receive the following additional services upon payment of the fees prescribed in the corresponding schedule: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Service Schedule ------------------------------------------------------------------------ a. Address correction..................... SS-1 b. Business reply mail.................... SS-2 c. Certificates of mailing................ SS-4 d. Certified mail......................... SS-5 e. COD.................................... SS-6 f. Insured mail........................... SS-9 g. Registered mail........................ SS-14 h. Special delivery....................... SS-17 i. Return receipt (merchandise only)...... SS-16 j. Merchandise return..................... SS-20 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 270 Rates and Fees The rates and fees for First-Class Mail are set forth in the following rate schedules: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Schedule ------------------------------------------------------------------------ a. Letters and Sealed Parcels............................. 221 b. Postal and Post Cards.................................. 222 c. Priority Mail.......................................... 223 d. Fees................................................... 1000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 280 Authorizations and Licenses The fee set forth in Rate Schedule 1000 must be paid once each year at each office of mailing by any person who mails other than single piece First-Class Mail. Payment of the fee allows the mailer to mail at any First-Class rate. Delete in their entirety Classification Schedules 300 and 400, Third-Class Mail and Fourth-Class Mail, with the exception of section 400.0202, and replace them with the following: Standard Mail Classification Schedule 310 Definition 311 General Any mailable matter may be mailed as Standard Mail except: a. Matter required to be mailed as First-Class Mail; b. Copies of a publication that is entered as Periodicals class mail, except copies sent by a printer to a publisher, and except copies that would have traveled at the former second-class transient rate. (The transient rate applied to individual copies of second-class mail forwarded and mailed by the public, as well as to certain sample copies mailed by publishers.) 312 Printed Matter Printed matter, including printed letters which according to internal evidence are being sent in identical terms to several persons, but which do not have the character of actual or personal correspondence, may be mailed as Standard Mail. Printed matter does not lose its character as Standard Mail when the date and name of the addressee and of the sender are written thereon. For the purposes of the Standard Mail Classification Schedule, ``printed'' does not include reproduction by handwriting or typewriting. 313 Written Additions Standard Mail may have the following written additions placed on the wrapper, on a tag or label attached to the outside of the parcel, or inside the parcel, either loose or attached to the article: a. Marks, numbers, name, or letters descriptive of contents; b. ``Please Do Not Open Until Christmas,'' or words of similar import; c. Instructions and directions for the use of an article in the package; d. Manuscript dedication or inscription not in the nature of personal correspondence; e. Marks to call attention to any word or passage in text; f. Corrections of typographical errors in printed matter; g. Manuscripts accompanying related proof sheets, and corrections in proof sheets to include: corrections of typographical and other errors, alterations of text, insertion of new text, marginal instructions to the printer, and rewrites of parts if necessary for correction; h. Handstamped imprints, except when the added matter is itself personal or converts the original matter to a personal communication; i. An invoice. 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 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 [[Page 10224]] 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 333.3 321.2 Regular Subclass. 321.21 Definition. The Regular subclass consists of Standard Mail weighing less than 16 ounces that is not mailed under sections 321.1, 321.3, 321.4 or 323, and 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. 321.22 Regular Rate Categories. 321.221 Basic Sortation Rate Category. Mailers must sort Regular subclass mail as prescribed by the Postal Service. Mail which is not presorted to three-digit or five-digit ZIP Code areas or to carrier routes qualifies for the basic rates in Rate Schedule 321.2A. 321.222 Basic Sortation, Pre-Barcoded Rate Category. The basic sortation, pre-barcoded rate category applies to mail mailed under section 321.21 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. 321.223 Three- and Five-Digit Presort Level Rate Category. The three- and five-digit presort level rate category applies to Regular subclass mail presorted to single or multiple three- and five-digit ZIP Code destinations, as prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.224 Three-Digit Presort Level, Pre-Barcoded Rate Category. The three-digit presort level, pre-barcoded rate category applies to letter-size mail mailed under section 321.21 which is presorted to three digits, 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. 321.225 Five-Digit Presort Level, Pre-Barcoded Rate Category. The five-digit presort level, pre-barcoded rate category applies to letter- size mail mailed under section 321.21 which is presorted to five digits, 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. 321.226 Three- and Five-Digit Presort Level, Pre-Barcoded Rate Category. The three- and five-digit presort level, pre-barcoded rate category applies to flat-size mail mailed under section 321.21 which is presorted to single or multiple three- and five-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescibed by the Postal Service, 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. 321.23 Destination Entry Discounts. 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 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 Definition. 321.411 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 or 323, and that is prepared in quantities of at least 50 pounds or 200 pieces, presorted and marked as prescribed by the Postal Service, and mailed by authorized nonprofit organizations or associations of the following types: a. Religious, b. Educational, c. Scientific, d. Philanthropic, e. Agricultural, f. Labor, g. Veterans', h. Fraternal, i. Qualified political committees. 321.412 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. [[Page 10225]] 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; 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 agricultural 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. i. 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: i. 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 ii. 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. 321.413 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 Nonprofit Rate Categories. 321.421 Basic Sortation Rate Category. Mailers must sort Nonprofit subclass mail as prescribed by the Postal Service. Mail which is not presorted to three-digit or five-digit ZIP Code areas or to carrier routes qualifies for the basic rates in Rate Schedule 321.4. 321.422 Basic Sortation, ZIP + 4 Rate Category. The basic sortation, ZIP + 4 rate category applies to mail mailed under section 321.421 which bears a proper ZIP + 4 code and which meets the machinability, address readability and other preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.423 Basic Sortation, Pre-Barcoded Rate Category. The basic sortation, pre-barcoded rate category applies to mail mailed under section 321.421 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. 321.424 Three- and Five-Digit Presort Level Rate Category. The three- and five-digit presort level rate category applies to Nonprofit subclass mail which is presorted to three-digit or five-digit ZIP Code areas. The mail must be prepared in the manner prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.425 Three- and Five-Digit Presort Level, ZIP + 4 Rate Category. The three- and five-digit presort level, ZIP + 4 rate category applies to mail mailed under section 321.424 which bears a proper ZIP + 4 code and which meets the machinability, address readability and other preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.426 Three-Digit Presort Level, Pre-Barcoded Rate Category. The three-digit presort level, pre-barcoded rate category applies to mail mailed under section 321.424 which is presorted to three digits, 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. 321.427 Five-Digit Presort Level, Pre-Barcoded Rate Category. The five-digit presort level, pre-barcoded rate category [[Page 10226]] applies to mail mailed under section 321.424 which is presorted to five digits, 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. 321.428 Carrier Route Presort Level Rate Category. The carrier route presort level rate category applies to Nonprofit subclass mail which is presorted to a carrier route, with at least 10 pieces to each carrier route. The mail must be prepared in the manner prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.429 Pre-barcoded Flats Rate Category. The pre-barcoded flats rate category applies to Nonprofit subclass flat size pieces which are properly prepared and presorted, bear a barcode as prescribed by the Postal Service, and meet the flats machinability and address readability specifications of the Postal Service. Such flats must be presented for mailing in a manner which does not require cancellation. 321.43 Nonprofit Subclass Discounts. 321.431 Saturation Discount. The saturation discount applies to Nonprofit subclass mail presented in a carrier route presort mailing which is walk sequenced and which meets the saturation and preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.432 125-Piece Walk-sequence Discount. The 125-piece walk- sequence discount applies to Nonprofit subclass mail presented in a carrier route presort mailing which is walk sequenced and contains a minimum of 125 pieces per carrier route, and which meets the preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service. 321.433 Destination Entry Discount. The destination entry discount applies to Nonprofit subclass mail which is destined 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. 322.14 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; 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, [[Page 10227]] 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 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 purposes 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; 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 agricultural 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. 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; [[Page 10228]] 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 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; ii. 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, Enhanced Carrier Route or Nonprofit 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, and Nonprofit 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 or Nonprofit) 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. [[Page 10229]] 353 Forwarding and Return 353.1 Single Piece, Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, and Nonprofit 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 SS-4 a specified number of pieces have been mailed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Certificates of mailing are not available for Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, and Nonprofit 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: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Service Schedule ------------------------------------------------------------------------ a. Certificates of mailing................. SS-4 b. COD..................................... SS-6 c. Insured mail............................ SS-9 d. Special delivery........................ SS-17 e. Special handling........................ SS-18 f. Return receipt (merchandise only)....... SS-16 g. Merchandise return...................... SS-20 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Insurance, special delivery, 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. Parcel Post subclass: Basic.................................... 322.1A Destination BMC.......................... 322.1B f. Bound Printed Matter subclass: Single Piece............................. 322.3A Bulk and Carrier Route................... 322.3B g. Special subclass........................ 323.1 h. Library subclass........................ 323.2 i. Fees.................................... 1000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 380 Authorizations and Licenses 381 Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, and Nonprofit Subclasses A mailing fee as set forth in Rate Schedule 1000 must be paid once each year by mailers of Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, and Nonprofit 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. Delete Classification Schedule 200, Second-Class Mail, in its entirety and replace it with the following: 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 [[Page 10230]] 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. 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 [[Page 10231]] 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 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 [[Page 10232]] 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. 423.31 Definition. Nonprofit mail is Preferred Rate Periodicals class mail entered by authorized nonprofit organizations or associations of the following types: a. Religious, b. Educational, c. Scientific, d. Philanthropic, e. Agricultural, f. Labor, g. Veterans', h. Fraternal, and i. Associations of rural electric cooperatives, j. One publication, which contains no advertising 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. 423.32 Definitions of 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 organizations listed under section 423.31a through f. The standard of primary purpose requires that each type of organization or association be both organized and operated for the primary purpose. 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; 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 agricultural 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. [[Page 10233]] 423.4 Classroom Subclass. Classroom mail is of 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 Discounts. 423.61 Destination Entry Discounts. Copies of any Preferred Rate Periodicals class mail which are destined for delivery within the destination sectional center facility (SCF) area or the destination delivery unit (DDU) area in which they are entered, as defined by the Postal Service, qualify for the applicable discount as set forth in Rate Schedules 423.2, 423.3, and 423.4. 423.62 ZIP + 4 and Pre-barcoded Letter Discounts. Copies of any automation compatible Preferred Rate Periodicals class mail which bear a proper ZIP + 4 code, or 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 qualify for the applicable ZIP + 4 or pre- barcoding discounts as set forth in Rate Schedules 423.2, 423.3, and 423.4. 423.63 125-piece Walk-sequence Discount. Copies of Preferred Rate Periodicals class mail presented in mailings which are walk sequenced and contain a minimum of 125 pieces per carrier route and which meet the preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service are eligible for the applicable discount set forth in Rate Schedules 423.2, 423.3, and 423.4. 423.64 Saturation Discount. Saturation Preferred Rate Periodicals class mail presented in mailings which are walk sequenced and which meet the saturation and preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service qualifies for the applicable discount set forth in Rate Schedules 423.2, 423.3, and 423.4. 423.65 Pre-barcoded Flats Discounts. Pre-barcoded Preferred Rate Periodicals class flats which are properly prepared and presorted, which bear a barcode as prescribed by the Postal Service, and which meet the flats machinability and address readability specifications of the Postal Service, are eligible for the applicable discounts for pre- barcoded flats set forth in Rate Schedules 423.2, 423.3, and 423.4. 430 Physical Limitations There are no maximum size or weight limits for Periodicals class mail. 440 Postage and Preparation 441 Postage. Postage must be paid on Periodicals class mail as set forth in section 3000. 442 Presortation. Periodicals class mail must be presorted in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Postal Service. 443 Attachments and Enclosures 443.1 General. First-Class Mail or Standard Mail from any of the subclasses listed in section 321 (Single Piece, Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route or Nonprofit) may be attached to or enclosed with Periodicals class mail. The piece must be marked as prescribed by the Postal Service. Except as provided in section 443.2, 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 appropriate First-Class or section 321 Standard Mail 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. 443.2 Incidental First-Class Mail Attachments and Enclosures. First-Class Mail that meets one or more of the definitions in sections 210 b through d may be attached to or enclosed with Periodicals class mail, with postage paid on the combined piece at the applicable Periodicals rate, if the attachment or enclosure is incidental to the piece to which it is attached or with which it is enclosed. 444 Identification Periodicals class mail must be identified as required by the Postal Service. Nonsubscriber and nonrequester copies, including sample and complimentary copies, must be identified as required by the Postal Service. 445 Filing of Information Information relating to Periodicals class mail must be filed with the Postal Service in accordance with 39 U.S.C. 3685. 446 Enclosures and Supplements Periodicals class mail may contain enclosures and supplements as prescribed by the Postal Service. An enclosure or supplement may not contain writing, printing or sign thereof or therein, in addition to the original print, except as authorized by the Postal Service, or as authorized under section 443.2. 450 Deposit and Delivery 451 Deposit Periodicals class mail must be deposited at places and times designated by the Postal Service. 452 Service Periodicals class mail is given expeditious handling insofar as is practicable. 453 Forwarding and Return Undeliverable-as-addressed Periodicals class mail will be forwarded or returned to the mailer, as prescribed by the Postal Service. Undeliverable-as-addressed combined First-Class and Periodicals class mail pieces will be forwarded or returned, as prescribed by the Postal Service. Additional charges when Periodicals class mail is returned will be based on the applicable Standard Mail rate. 460 Ancillary Services Periodicals class mail will receive the following additional service upon payment of the appropriate fee: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Service Schedule ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Special delivery........................... SS-17 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 470 Rates and Fees The rates and fees for Periodicals class mail are set forth as follows: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Schedule ------------------------------------------------------------------------ a. Regular................................................ 421 b. Within County.......................................... 423.2 c. Nonprofit.............................................. 423.3 d. Classroom.............................................. 423.4 e. Science of Agriculture................................. 421 f. Fees................................................... 1000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 480 Authorizations and Licenses 481 Entry Authorizations Prior to mailing at Periodicals rates, a publication must be authorized for entry as Periodicals class mail by the Postal Service. Each authorized publication will be granted one original entry authorization at the post office where the office of publication is maintained. An authorization for the establishment of an account to enter a publication at [[Page 10234]] an additional entry office may be granted by the Postal Service upon application by the publisher. An application for re-entry must be made whenever the publisher proposes to change the publication's title, frequency of issue or office of original entry. 482 Preferred Rate Authorization Prior to mailing at Nonprofit, Classroom, and Science of Agriculture rates, a publication must obtain an additional Postal Service entry authorization to mail at those rates. 483 Mailing by Publishers and News Agents Periodicals class mail may be mailed only by publishers or registered news agents. A news agent is a person or concern engaged in selling two or more Periodicals publications published by more than one publisher. News agents must register at all post offices at which they mail Periodicals class mail. 484 Fees Fees for original entry, additional entry, re-entry, and registration of a news agent are set forth in Rate Schedule 1000. Amend Classification Schedules SS-1, -5, -6, -9, -13, -14, -16, - 17, -18, -19, -20, by inserting the italicized text and deleting the text set off in brackets, as follows: Classification Schedule SS-1--Address Correction Service * * * * * 1.02 Description of Service 1.020 Address correction service is available to mailers of postage prepaid mail of all classes. [Second-class]Periodicals class mail will receive address correction service. * * * * * 1.03 Requirements of the Mailer 1.030 Mail, other than [second]Periodicals class mail, sent under this classification schedule must bear a request for address correction service. * * * * * Classification Schedule SS-5--Certified Mail * * * * * 5.02 Description of Service 5.020 Certified mail service is provided for matter mailed [under Classification Schedule 100]as First-Class Mail. * * * * * Classification Schedule SS-6--Collect on Delivery Service * * * * * 6.02 Description of Service 6.020 COD service is available for collection of $600 or less upon the delivery of postage prepaid mail sent under the following classification schedules: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Classification Schedule] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [d.]a. Express Mail....................... [500] [a.]b. First-Class Mail................... [100] [b.]c. [Third class (s]Single [p]Piece, [300] [only)] Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and Library Standard Mail. [c. Fourth-class mail..................... 400] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * 6.05 Forwarding and Return * * * * * 6.051 For COD mail sent as [third- or fourth-]Standard[class m] Mail, postage at the applicable rate will be charged to the addressee: a. When an addressee, entitled to delivery to the mailing address under Postal Service regulations, requests delivery of COD mail which was refused when first offered for delivery; b. For each delivery attempt, to an addressee entitled to delivery to the mailing address under Postal Service regulations, after the second such attempt. 6.06 Other Services 6.060 The following services, if applicable to the class of mail, may be obtained in conjunction with mail sent under this classification schedule upon payment of the applicable fee: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Classification Schedule ------------------------------------------------------------------------ a. Registered mail, if sent as First[ ]-- SS-14 Class. b. Restricted delivery.................... SS-15 c. Special delivery....................... SS-17 d. Special handling....................... SS-18 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * Classification Schedule SS-9--Insured Mail * * * * * 9.02 Description of Service * * * * * 9.021 Insured mail service is available for mail sent under the following classification schedules: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Classification schedule] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ a. First-Class Mail, if containing matter [100] which may be mailed as [third- or fourth- ]Standard [class m]Mail. b. [Third class (s]Single [p]Piece, [300] [only)]Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and Library Standard Mail. [c. Fourth-class.......................... 400] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * Classification Schedule SS-13--Parcel Airlift (PAL) * * * * * 13.02 Description of Service 13.020 Parcel airlift service is available for mail sent under the following classification schedule[s]: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Classification Schedule] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [a. Third-] Standard[class m] Mail........ [300] [b. Fourth-class mail..................... 400] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * 13.06 Forwarding and Return 13.060 PAL mail sent for delivery outside the contiguous 48 states is forwarded as set forth in section [1000.03]2030 of the General Definitions, Terms and Conditions. PAL mail sent for delivery within the contiguous 48 states is forwarded or returned as set forth in section[s] [300.07 and 400.07]353 as appropriate. * * * * * Classification Schedule SS-14--Registered Mail * * * * * 14.02 Description of Service 14.020 Registered mail service is available to mailers of prepaid mail sent [under Classification Schedule 100]as First-Class Mail except that registered mail must meet the minimum requirements for length and width regardless of thickness. * * * * * Classification Schedule SS-16--Return Receipts * * * * * 16.02 Description of Service 16.020 Return receipt service is available for mail sent under the following classification schedules: [[Page 10235]] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Classification Schedule ------------------------------------------------------------------------ b. COD mail............................... SS-6 c. Insured mail (if insured for more than SS-9 $50). d. Registered mail........................ SS-14 e. Express Mail........................... [500] f. First-[ ]Class (merchandise only)...... [100] g. Standard Mail[Third class] (merchandise [300] only). [h. Fourth class (merchandise only)....... 400] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * Classification Schedule SS-17--Special Delivery * * * * * 17.02 Description of Service 17.020 Special delivery service is available for mail sent under the following classification schedules: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Classification Schedule] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ a. First-Class Mail....................... [100] b. [Second-class]Periodicals [mail]....... [200] c. [Third-class mail (s]Single [p]Piece, [300] [only)]Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and Library Standard Mail. [d. Fourth-class mail..................... 400] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * Classification Schedule SS-18--Special Handling * * * * * 18.02 Description of Service 18.020 Special handling service is available for mail sent under the following classification schedules: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Classification Schedule] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ a. First-Class Mail....................... [100] b. [Third-class (s]Single [p]Piece, [300] [only)]Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and Library Standard Mail. [c. Fourth-class mail..................... 400] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * 18.05 Forwarding and Return 18.050 If undeliverable as addressed, special handling mail that is forwarded to the addressee is given special handling without requiring payment of an additional handling fee. However, additional postage at the [regular third- or fourth-class] applicable Standard Mail rate is collected on delivery. * * * * * Classification Schedule SS-19--Stamped Envelopes * * * * * 19.02 Description of Service 19.020 Stamped envelopes are available for: a. First[ ]-Class Mail within the first rate increment. b. [Third-class]Standard Mail [bulk mail] mailed at [the]a minimum per-piece rate as prescribed by the Postal Service. * * * * * Classification Schedule SS-20--Merchandise Return * * * * * 20.02 Description of Service * * * * * 20.021 Merchandise return service is available for the return of any parcel under the following classification schedules. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Classification schedule] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ a. First-Class Mail....................... [100] b. [Third-] Standard [class m] Mail....... [300] [c. Fourth-class mail..................... 400] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Amend General Definitions (sections .01-.11) and General Terms and Conditions (sections 1000-6000), by inserting the italicized text and deleting the text in brackets, as follows: General Definitions, Terms and Conditions 1000 General Definitions As used in this Domestic Mail Classification Schedule, the following terms have the meanings set forth below. 1001 [.01] Advertising Advertising includes all material for the publication of which a valuable consideration is paid, accepted, or promised, that calls attention to something for the purpose of getting people to buy it, sell it, seek it, or support it. If an advertising rate is charged for the publication of reading matter or other material, such material shall be deemed to be advertising. Articles, items, and notices in the form of reading matter inserted in accordance with a custom or understanding that textual matter is to be inserted for the advertiser or his products in the publication in which a display advertisement appears are deemed to be advertising. If a publisher advertises his own services or publications, or any other business of the publisher, whether in the form of display advertising or editorial or reading matter, this is deemed to be advertising. 1002 [.02] Aspect Ratio Aspect ratio is the ratio of width to length. 1003 [.03] Bills and Statements of Account 1003.1 [Bills and statements of account are defined as follows: a.] A bill is a request for payment of a definite sum of money claimed to be owing by the addressee either to the sender or to a third party. The mere assertion of an indebtedness in a definite sum combined with a demand for payment is sufficient to make the message a bill. 1003.2 [b.] A statement of account is the assertion of the existence of a debt in a definite amount but which does not necessarily contain a request or a demand for payment. The amount may be immediately due or may become due after a certain time or upon demand or billing at a later date. 1003.3 [c.] A bill or statement of account must present the particulars of an indebtedness with sufficient definiteness to inform the debtor of the amount he is required to pay to acquit himself of the debt. However, neither a bill nor a statement of account need state the precise amount if it contains sufficient information to enable the debtor to determine the exact amount of the claim asserted. 1003.4 [d.] A bill or statement of account is not the less a bill or statement of account merely because the amount claimed is not in fact owing or may not be legally collectible. [.04 Full Rates Full rates are rates approved by the Governors of the Postal Service in accordance with Title 39 U.S.C., which are not reduced rates as set forth in title 39 U.S.C. 3626.] 1004 [.05] Girth Girth is the measurement around a piece of mail at its thickest part. 1005 [.06] Invoice An invoice is a writing showing the nature, quantity, and cost or price of items shipped or sent to a purchaser or consignor. 1006 [.07] Permit Imprints Permit imprints are printed indicia indicating postage has been paid by the sender under the permit number shown. [[Page 10236]] [.08 Phased Rates Phased rates are the reduced rates which increase annually as provided in 39 U.S.C. 3626(a). The sum of the annual increases equals the difference between the rates which were in effect for a class of mail or kind of mailer at the time of the enactment of the Postal Reorganization Act and either-- a. The full rates, or b. The preferred rates for the class of mail or kind of mailer. The phased rates increase on July 6 of each year.] 1007 [.09] Preferred Rates Preferred rates are the reduced rates established pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3626[(a)(1)]. [.10 Territories and Possessions For purposes of this Domestic Mail Classification Schedule, the terms territories and possessions include: Baker Island Canton Island Caroline Islands Enderbury Island Guam Howland Island Jarvis Island Johnston Island Kingman Reef Manua Island Mariana Islands Marshall Islands Midway Islands Navassa Island Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Saint Croix Island Saint John Island Saint Thomas Island Samoa (American) Sand Island Swain's Island Trust Territory of the Pacific Virgin Islands (U.S.) Wake Island] 1008 [.11] ZIP Code The ZIP Code is a numeric code that facilitates the sortation, routing, and delivery of mail. 2000 [1000] Delivery of Mail 2010 [1000.01] Delivery Services [1000.010] The Postal Service provides the following modes of delivery: a. Caller service. The fees for caller service are set forth in Rate Schedule SS-10. b. Carrier delivery service. c. General delivery. d. Post office box service. The fees for post office box service are set forth in Rate Schedule SS-10. 2020 [1000.02] Conditions of Delivery 2021 General. [1000.020] Except as provided in section 2022 [1000.021], mail will be delivered as addressed unless the Postal Service is instructed otherwise by the addressee in writing. 2022 Refusal of Delivery. [1000.021] The addressee may control delivery of his mail. The addressee may refuse to accept a piece of mail that does not require a delivery receipt at the time it is offered for delivery or after delivery by returning it unopened to the Postal Service [except as provided below]. For mail that requires a delivery receipt, t[T]he addressee or his representative may read and copy the name of the sender of registered, insured, certified, [and] COD [mail], return receipt, and Express Mail prior to accepting delivery. Upon signing the delivery receipt the piece may not be returned to the Postal Service without the applicable postage and fees affixed. 2023 Receipt. [1000.022] If a signed receipt is required, mail will be delivered to the addressee (or competent member of his family), to persons who customarily receive his mail or to one authorized in writing to receive the addressee's mail. 2024 Jointly Addressed Mail. [1000.023] Mail addressed to several persons may be delivered to any one of them. [1000.0231] When two or more persons make conflicting orders for delivery for the same mail, the mail shall be delivered as determined by the Postal Service. 2025 Commercial Mail Receiving Agents. [1000.024] Mail may be delivered to a commercial mail receiving agency on behalf of another person. In consideration of delivery of mail to the commercial agent, the addressee and the agent are considered to agree that: a. No change of address order will be filed with the post office when the agency relationship is terminated; b. When remailed by the commercial agency, the mail is subject to payment of new postage. 2026 Mail Addressed to Organizations. [1000.025] Mail addressed to governmental units, private organizations, corporations, unincorporated firms or partnerships, persons at institutions (including but not limited to hospitals and prisons), or persons in the military is delivered as addressed or to an authorized agent. 2027 Held Mail. [1000.026] Mail will be held for a specified period of time at the office of address upon request of the addressee, unless the mail: a. Has contrary retention instructions; b. Is perishable; or c. Is registered, COD, insured, [or] return receipt, certified, or Express Mail for which the normal retention period expires before the end of the specified holding period. 2030 [1000.03] Forwarding and Return 2031 Forwarding. [1000.030] Forwarding is the transfer of undeliverable-as-addressed mail to an address other than the one originally placed on the mail piece. [1000.033] All post offices will honor change of address orders for a period of time specified by the Postal Service. 2032 Return. [1000.031] Return is the delivery of undeliverable- as-addressed mail to the sender. 2033 Applicable Provisions. [1000.032] The provisions of sections 150, 250, 350 and 450 [100.07, 200.07, 250.07, 300.07, 400.07, and 500.07] apply to forwarding and return. 2034 Forwarding for Postal Service Adjustments. [1000.034] When mail is forwarded due to Postal Service adjustments (such as, but not limited to, the discontinuance of the post office of original address, establishment of rural carrier service, conversion to city delivery service from rural, readjustment of delivery districts, or renumbering of houses and renaming of streets), it is forwarded without charge for a period of time specified by the Postal Service. 3000 [2000] Postage and Preparation [of Mail] 3010 [2000.01] Packaging [2000.010] Mail must be packaged so that: a. The contents will be protected against deterioration or degradation; b. The contents will not be likely to damage other mail, Postal Service employees or property, or to become loose in transit; c. The package surface must be able to retain postage indicia and address markings; d. It is marked by the mailer with a material which is not readily water soluble nor which can be easily rubbed off or smeared, and the marking will be sharp and clear. 3020 Envelopes [2000.011] Paper used in the preparation of envelopes may not be of a brilliant color. [2000.012] Envelopes must be prepared with paper strong enough to withstand normal handling. 3030 [3000] [Postage and Fees] [3000.01] Payment of Postage and Fees [3000.010] Postage must be fully prepaid on all mail at the time of mailing, except as authorized by law or [[Page 10237]] this Schedule. [3000.0101] Except as authorized by law or this Schedule, mail deposited without prepayment of sufficient postage shall be delivered to the addressee subject to payment of deficient postage, returned to the sender, or otherwise disposed of as prescribed by the Postal Service. Mail deposited without any postage affixed will be returned to the sender without any attempt at delivery. 3040 [3000.02] Methods for Paying Postage and Fees [3000.020] Postage for all mail may be prepaid by postage meter, adhesive stamps, or permit imprint, unless otherwise limited or prescribed by the Postal Service [by regulation]. [3000.021] The following methods of paying postage and fees require[d] prior authorization from the Postal Service: a. Permit imprint, b. Postage meter, c. Precancel[l]ed stamps, precancel[l]ed envelopes, and mailer's precancel[l]ed postmarks. 3050 Authorization Fees [3000.0211] Fees for authorization to use a permit imprint are set forth in Rate Schedule 1000. [3000.0212] No fee is charged for authorization to use a postage meter. Fees for setting postage meters are set forth in Rate Schedule SS-12. [3000.0213] No fee is charged for authorization to use precancel[l]ed stamps, precancel[l]ed envelopes or mailer's precancel[l]ed postmark. 3060 Special Service Fees [3000.023] Fees for special services may be prepaid in any manner appropriate for the class of mail indicated or as otherwise prescribed by the Postal Service [regulation]. 3070 Marking of Unpaid Mail [3000.022] Matter authorized for mailing without prepayment of postage must bear markings identifying the class of mail service. Matter so marked will be billed at the applicable rate of postage set forth in this Schedule. Matter not so marked will be billed at the applicable First-Class rate of postage. 3080 [3000.03] Refund of Postage [3000.030] When postage and special service fees have been paid on mail for which no service is rendered for the postage or fees paid, or collected in excess of the lawful rate, a refund may be made. [3000.0301] There shall be no refund for registered, COD, and insured fees when the article is later withdrawn by the mailer. [3000.031] In cases involving returned articles improperly accepted because of excess size or weight, a refund may be made. 3090 Calculation of Postage When a rate schedule contains per piece and per pound rates, the postage shall be the sum of the charges produced by those rates. When a rate schedule contains a minimum-per-piece rate and a pound rate, the postage shall be the greater of the two. When the computation of postage yields a fraction of a cent in the charge, the next higher whole cent must be paid. 4000 Postal Zones 4010 Geographic Units of Area [4000.010] In the determination of postal zones, the earth is considered to be divided into units of area thirty minutes square, identical with a quarter of the area formed by the intersecting parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude. The distance between these units of area is the basis of the postal zones. [which are defined as follows:] 4020 Measurement of Zone Distances [4000.011] The distance upon which zones are based shall be measured from the center of the unit of area containing the dispatching sectional center facility or multi-ZIP coded post office not serviced by a sectional center facility. A post office of mailing and a post office of delivery shall have the same zone relationship as their respective sectional center facilities or multi-ZIP coded post offices, but this shall not cause two post offices to be regarded as within the same local zone. 4030 Definition of Zones 4031 Local Zone. The local zone applies to mail mailed at any post office for delivery at that office; at any city letter carrier office or at any point within its delivery limits for delivery by carriers from that office; at any office from which a rural route starts for delivery on the same route; and on a rural route for delivery at the office from which the route starts or on any rural route starting from that office. 4032 First Zone. The first zone includes all territory within the quadrangle of entry in conjunction with every contiguous quadrangle, representing an area having a mean radial distance of approximately 50 miles from the center of a given unit of area. The first zone also applies to mail between two post offices in the same sectional center. 4033 Second Zone. The second zone includes all units of area outside the first zone lying in whole or in part within a radius of approximately 150 miles from the center of a given unit of area. 4034 Third Zone. The third zone includes all units of area outside the second zone lying in whole or in part within a radius of approximately 300 miles from the center of a given unit of area. 4035 Fourth Zone. The fourth zone includes all units of area outside the third zone lying in whole or in part within a radius approximately 600 miles from the center of a given unit of area. 4036 Fifth Zone. The fifth zone includes all units of area outside the fourth zone lying in whole or in part within a radius of approximately 1,000 miles from the center of a given unit of area. 4037 Sixth Zone. The sixth zone includes all units of area outside the fifth zone lying in whole or in part within a radius of approximately 1,400 miles from the center of a given unit of area. 4038 Seventh Zone. The seventh zone includes all units of area outside the sixth zone lying in whole or in part within a radius of approximately 1,800 miles from the center of a given unit of area. 4039 Eighth Zone. The eighth zone includes all units of area outside the seventh zone. 4040 Zoned Rates [4000.012] Except as provided in section 4050, [below,] rates according to zone apply for zone-rated mail sent between Postal Service facilities including armed forces post offices, wherever located. 4050 APO/FPO Mail 4051 General. [a.] Except as provided in section 4052, t[T]he rates of postage for zone-rated mail transported between the United States, [the Canal Zone, Puerto Rico] or the possessions or territories of the United States, [including the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands,] on the one hand, and Army, Air Force and Fleet Post Offices on the other, or among the latter, shall be th