Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) Issue 58: Miscellaneous Amendments

AGENCY:

Postal Service

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This document describes the numerous amendments consolidated in the Transmittal Letter for Issue 58 of the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), which is incorporated by reference in Title 39 Code of Federal Regulations, part 111.1 (39 CFR 111.1). These amendments reflect changes in mail preparation requirements and other mailing rules and regulations.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

August 10, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jane Stefaniak, United States Postal Service, Mailing Standards, (703) 292-3548.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), incorporated by reference in Title 39 Code of Federal Regulations, part 111, contains the basic standards of the U.S. Postal Service® (Postal Service) governing its domestic mail services, descriptions of the mail classes and special services and the conditions governing their use, and the standards for rate eligibility and mail preparation. The document is amended and republished periodically, with each issue sequentially numbered. DMM Issue 58, the current printed edition, is dated August 10, 2003. Issue 58 contains all changes published prior to that date. Announcements of the changes appearing in DMM Issue 58 were first published in the Federal Register and/or various issues of the Postal Bulletin, an official biweekly document published by the Postal Service. Interim updates to the DMM are posted monthly on the Postal Service Postal Explorer Web site ( http://pe.usps.gov ).

In addition, the revised table of contents for DMM Issue 58 is provided.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) Issue 58

Summary of Changes by DMM Module

A Addressing

A010.6.1 and 6.3 are revised to update the addressing requirements for overseas military mail. These revisions remove the requirement that mail sent to APO/FPO addresses include a military person's grade, rank, or rating in the address line. Effective 4-17-03.

A030 is added; A040 is redesignated as A020; A800.3.0 is deleted; and additional portions of Module A are revised to consolidate many of the critical addressing requirements for Presorted and automation rate mail and to update information for several Address Information System (AIS) products. Effective 6-12-03.

A030.1.4, A910.6.1, and A950.1.3 are revised to add National Change of Address Linkage System Product or NCOA^Link as an additional method for preparing Presorted and automation rate First-Class Mail® pieces to meet the Move Update standard. Effective 6-26-03.

A030.1.4 is revised to clarify that all ancillary service endorsements, except “Forwarding Service Requested,” meet the Move Update standard for Presorted and automation rate First-Class Mail. Effective 6-26-03.

A040.1.0 (renumbered A020.1.0) and A040.4.3 (renumbered E050.2.3) are revised to clarify the preparation requirements for letters and flats that use the simplified address format. Additionally, all congressional mailings using the simplified address format will use Tag 11 on all containers to ensure appropriate handling through downstream Postal Service processes. Effective 11-14-02.

C Characteristics and Content

Portions of Module C are revised to consolidate many of the critical addressing requirements for Presorted and automation rate mail and to update information for several AIS products. Effective 6-12-03.

C010.1.0 and C600 are revised to add Customized MarketMail (CMM), a new option for mailing nonrectangular and irregular-shaped Regular Standard Mail and Nonprofit Standard Mail pieces. Effective 8-10-03.

C021, C023, C024.18.0, C050.2.2 are revised to align the Postal Service mailing standards for Division 6.2 infectious substances with the regulations adopted by the U.S. Department of Transportation and to incorporate other minor changes and clarifications related to hazardous materials mailing standards. Effective 6-12-03.

C050.2.2 and C100.2.7c are revised to correct and clarify the text. Effective 4-3-03.

C100 is revised to clarify and expand the standards that apply to First-Class Mail card rates. Effective 10-3-02.

C100 and C700.1.0 are revised to clarify that, for First-Class Mail or Package Services, Delivery Confirmation^TM or Signature Confirmation^TM may be used only for parcels and not for letter-size or flat-size mail. Effective 7-10-03.

C100.2.6 is revised to further clarify the format standards for displaying a message area on the address side of a First-Class Mail card rate mailpiece that is divided horizontally. Effective 4-3-03.

C200.3.0 and C820.7.0 are revised to reorganize and clarify the existing standards that apply to the uniformity of automation flats. Effective 11-14-02.

C600.4.0 is revised to clarify that Customized MarketMail (CMM) pieces, whether letter-size or flat-size, are not subject to the Standard Mail nonmachinable surcharge in E620. Effective 8-10-03.

C810.7.0 is added to allow repositionable notes to be applied to First-Class Mail and Standard Mail letter-size pieces that otherwise qualify for automation letter rates, if certain standards are met. A repositionable note is a 3 inch by 3 inch paper attached to a letter-size mailpiece with an adhesive strip. The note is designed to be removed by the recipient and “repositioned” for future reference or use (e.g., on a telephone, refrigerator, or computer). Effective 4-3-03.

C820 Exhibit 4.1b (renumbered C820.4.2 and C820.4.3) is revised to clarify the wrapping instructions for the automated flat sorting machine (AFSM) 100 polywrapped automation flats. Effective 9-5-02.

C820.1.0 and C820.4.0 are revised to clarify standards for the use of polywrap for flat-size mailpieces claimed at automation rates and the certification program for polywrap. Effective 7-10-03.

C850.1.4 is revised to amend the barcode requirements for Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation labels. Effective 6-27-02.

C850.3.1 is revised to allow the placement of the postal routing barcode in locations other than adjacent to the address. Effective 8-7-03.

D Deposit, Collection, and Delivery

D042.7.0 is revised to add CMM, a new option for mailing nonrectangular and irregular-shaped Regular Standard Mail and Nonprofit Standard Mail pieces. Effective 8-10-03.

D072 is revised to clarify the application process for drop shipment authorization of presorted metered mail and to specify that mailers must pay the applicable mailing fees and meet all other conditions for presenting mail for verification and acceptance at the office(s) of entry. Effective 6-12-03.

E Eligibility

Portions of Module E are revised to consolidate many of the critical addressing requirements for Presorted and automation rate mail and to update information for several AIS products. Effective 6-12-03.

Module E is revised to change mail preparation standards for AFSM 100-compatible flat-size mail for Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Bound Printed Matter (BPM) mailings. In addition, there are changes to Periodicals flat-size and irregular parcel mailings, Standard Mail flat-size mailings, and BPM flat-size and irregular parcel mailings that are placed in certain 3-digit sacks, on 5-digit scheme pallets, and on optional 3-digit pallets. Effective 1-9-03.

E010.2.3 is revised to correct and clarify the text. Effective 4-3-03.

E040 is revised to clarify and simplify the eligibility standards for free matter for the blind and other physically handicapped persons. Effective 8-8-02.

E110 is revised to clarify and expand the standards that apply to First-Class Mail card rates. Effective 10-3-02.

E230.3.3 is revised to clarify the preparation requirements for letters and flats that use the simplified address format. Additionally, all congressional mailings using the simplified address format will use Tag 11 on all containers to ensure appropriate handling through downstream Postal Service processes. Effective 11-14-02.

E230.4.0 is deleted since the text on Periodicals publications prepared in combined or copalletized mailings is clarified and expanded in M230. Effective 3-6-03.

E610.2.3 is revised to clarify the eligibility standards for computer-prepared material mailed at Standard Mail rates. Effective 6-12-03.

E610.9.0 is revised to allow mailers to use the “Change Service Requested” endorsement with Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation. Effective 10-3-02.

E620.4.0 and E660.2.0 are revised to clarify that CMM pieces, whether letter-size or flat-size, are not subject to the Standard Mail nonmachinable surcharge in E620. Effective 8-10-03.

E650, E751, and E752.2.0 are revised to include changes to the standards governing the deposit of destination bulk mail center (DBMC) rate Standard Mail and Package Services machinable parcels at the Buffalo auxiliary service facility (ASF) and the Pittsburgh bulk mail center (BMC). Effective 11-14-02.

E650.1.3 and E752.1.2 are revised to clarify the application of the minimum volume requirement for Standard Mail and BPM prepared using plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS) procedures. Effective 7-10-03.

E650.5.4 is revised to allow mailers the option of placing onto BMC and ASF pallets specially sorted packages, sacks, and trays of mixed area distribution center (ADC) Standard Mail. Effective 10-3-02.

E660 is added and E110.1.1, E610, E620.3.0, E630.5.0, E650.1.1, and E710.1.1 are revised to add CMM, a new option for mailing nonrectangular and irregular-shaped Regular Standard Mail and Nonprofit Standard Mail pieces. Effective 8-10-03.

E670.5.11 is revised to update the maximum value of low-cost items mailable at the Nonprofit Standard Mail rates. Effective 2-6-03.

E670.11.4 is revised to provide that an organization's primary authorization to mail at Nonprofit Standard Mail rates will not be revoked for nonuse if the organization has mailed at the nonprofit rates at any additional mailing office based upon that primary authorization. Effective 5-1-03.

E751 Exhibit 6.0 is revised to add a ZIP Code for Parcel Select® mail entered at a BMC. Effective 6-27-02.

E751 Exhibit 8.0 is corrected to delete five ZIP Codes and add one ZIP Code. Effective 10-3-02.

E751 Exhibit 8.0 is amended to add ZIP Codes. Effective 12-12-02.

E751 Exhibit 8.0 is amended to delete ZIP Codes. Effective 5-1-03.

E751 Exhibit 8.0 is amended to delete two ZIP Codes. Effective 8-7-03.

F Forwarding and Related Services

Portions of Module F are revised to consolidate many of the critical addressing requirements for Presorted and automation rate mail and to update information for several AIS products. Effective 6-12-03.

F010 and F030 are revised to expand and clarify the standards related to Address Change Service (ACS). Effective 1-23-03.

F010.5.0 is revised to allow mailers to use the “Change Service Requested” endorsement with Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation. Effective 10-3-02.

F010.5.0 is revised to incorporate changes and clarifications related to hazardous materials mailing standards. Effective 6-12-03.

F010.5.3 is revised to add CMM, a new option for mailing nonrectangular and irregular-shaped Regular Standard Mail and Nonprofit Standard Mail pieces. Effective 8-10-03.

G General Information

G091, G092, and G095 are redesignated as G991, G992, and G995, respectively; G900 is redesignated as G090; and G910 is added to provide requirements for negotiated service agreements (NSAs) that would be treated as comparable to those which form the basis for experimental mail classifications established in accordance with Chapter 36 of Title 39 of the United States Code. Published in PB 22104 (6-12-03).

G092 (renumbered G992) is added to implement a new experiment testing whether additional rate incentives will encourage the copalletization and drop shipment of individual Periodicals publications. The experiment includes two per piece discounts for copalletization of Periodicals publications that otherwise would have been prepared in sacks. Effective 4-20-03.

G092 (renumbered G992) is revised to specify that certain co-palletization data must be reported on a monthly basis under 3.0 and is not required at the time of mailing. Effective 4-20-03.

G995 is deleted to reflect the expiration of the experimental classification for Presorted Priority Mail. Effective 7-15-03.

L Labeling Lists

Labeling lists are periodically updated to reflect changes in mail processing operations. Please see individual lists.

Module L is revised to change mail preparation standards for AFSM 100-compatible flat-size mail for Periodicals, Standard Mail, and BPM mailings. In addition, there are changes to Periodicals flat-size and irregular parcel mailings, Standard Mail flat-size mailings, and BPM flat-size and irregular parcel mailings that are placed in certain 3-digit sacks, on 5-digit scheme pallets, and on optional 3-digit pallets. Effective 1-9-03.

L601 and L602 are revised to include changes to the standards governing the deposit of DBMC rate Standard Mail and Package Services machinable parcels at the Buffalo ASF and the Pittsburgh BMC. Effective 11-14-02.

M Mail Preparation and Sortation

Portions of Module M are revised to consolidate many of the critical addressing requirements for Presorted and automation rate mail and to update information for several AIS products. Effective 6-12-03.

Module M is revised to change mail preparation standards for AFSM 100-compatible flat-size mail for Periodicals, Standard Mail, and BPM mailings. In addition, there are changes to Periodicals flat-size and irregular parcel mailings, Standard Mail flat-size mailings, and BPM flat-size and irregular parcel mailings that are placed in certain 3-digit sacks, on 5-digit scheme pallets, and on optional 3-digit pallets. Effective 1-9-03.

M013 is revised to expand and clarify the standards related to ACS. Effective 1-23-03.

M013.2.0 is revised and M013.3.0 is added to allow placement of an ACS participant code in a new optional location. Effective 10-3-02.

M013.2.5, M045.3.2, M610, M810.2.2, and M820.5.3 are revised to allow mailers the option of placing onto BMC and ASF pallets specially sorted packages, sacks, and trays of mixed ADC Standard Mail. Effective 10-3-02.

Exhibit M013.2.5, M610.2.2, M810.2.2, and M820.5.3 are revised to correct the DMM standards that allow mailers preparing mail on pallets under the option in M045.3.2 to use L802 to label packages, sacks, and trays of mixed ADC mail and mixed AADC mail placed onto BMC and ASF pallets. Effective 5-1-03.

M013.3.2 is revised to allow placement of an ACS participant code on flat-size mailpieces. Effective 1-9-03.

M031.1.7, M031.4.11, M032.1.3, M045.8.2, and M230 are revised to clarify when it is permissible to use the designation “NEWS” rather than the designation “PER” on Line 2 (the content line) of labels that identify sacks, trays, and pallets containing copies of Periodicals publications prepared in combined mailings or in copalletized mailings. Effective 3-6-03.

M032, M033.2.2, and M910.3.0 are revised to clarify the use of letter trays rather than sacks when preparing and palletizing certain sizes of Standard Mail flat-size pieces and to add co-traying as an option. Effective 7-10-03.

M032, M033.1.2, M033.2.0, M610.1.1, M610.4.5, M620.1.1, and M820.5.2 are revised to allow mailers to use letter trays rather than sacks when preparing and palletizing certain sizes of Standard Mail flat-size pieces. This option applies to Standard Mail flat-size pieces claimed at automation rates, as well as flat-size pieces claimed at Enhanced Carrier Route rates. Effective 11-14-02.

M033.2.2c is revised to allow the placement of smaller size pieces in two rows in a single tray, provided that the two rows run parallel to each other, with the address side of the pieces all faced toward the end (short dimension) of the tray and perpendicular to the entire length (long dimension) of the tray. Effective 2-6-03.

M041 is revised by excluding the use of metal strapping or metal banding material for securing pallets of mail, whether an individual pallet of mail, a pallet composed of several individual pallets stacked to form a single unit, or a pallet with a pallet box containing mail. Effective 5-30-03.

M050.2.0 is deleted to support new procedures for calculating revenue deficiencies for sequenced mail. Effective 11-14-02.

M110.1.0 is revised to correct and clarify the text. Effective 4-3-03.

M110.1.0c is corrected to state that all permit imprint mail must be faced and packaged. Effective 4-17-03.

M220.1.1 and M220.3.0 are revised to clarify the preparation requirements for letters and flats that use the simplified address format. Additionally, all congressional mailings using the simplified address format will use Tag 11 on all containers to ensure appropriate handling through downstream Postal Service processes. Effective 11-14-02.

M610.1.4 and M620.1.3 are deleted and M820.1.8 and M820.1.10 are revised to eliminate the letter-size preparation requirements for nonautomation Standard Mail pieces combined in a mailing with palletized automation flats. Effective 8-8-02.

M610.2.1 is revised to correct an error in the packaging standards for Standard Mail machinable letter-size pieces. Effective 3-6-03.

M610.4.3, M820.5.1, and M950.3.2 are revised to change the minimum number of pieces required for 5-digit packages of automation and Presorted rate Standard Mail flats. Effective 9-5-02.

M660 is added and M011.1.4, M012.2.1, M032 Exhibit 1.3, and M072.1.0 are revised to add CMM, a new option for mailing nonrectangular and irregular-shaped Regular Standard Mail and Nonprofit Standard Mail pieces. Effective 8-10-03.

M820.5.1 is revised to clarify the packaging standards for automation rate Standard Mail flat-size pieces sorted using the 5-digit scheme under L007. Effective 3-6-03.

M910 and M950 are revised to provide new mail preparation standards for the co-packaging and co-sacking of flat-size BPM mailpieces. Related revisions are made to M011, M032, M722, and M820 to support the new co-packaging and co-sacking standards. Effective 4-3-03.

M910.1.1h, M910.2.1g, M910.3.1h, M920.2.1m, and M940.2.1l are corrected to remove the references to Manifest Analysis and Certification (MAC) software. Effective 2-6-03.

M920.1.5f, M920.2.5e, M930.1.5f, M930.2.4e, M940.1.5f, and M940.2.4e are corrected to remove the references to 5-digit scheme (L001) pallets. Effective 2-6-03.

M920.2.5, M930.2.4, and M940.2.4 are revised to allow mailers using the advanced preparation options for flat-size mail to place certain mixed ADC packages on ASF or BMC pallets. Effective 2-6-03.

P Postage and Payment Methods

P014 is revised to update the administrative charges for processing refunds for unused meter stamps and business reply mail pieces returned with postage affixed. Effective 1-1-03.

P014 is revised to clarify the refund policy for unused postage evidencing system indicia on mailpieces or labels. Effective 7-11-02.

P014.4.1, P014.4.12, P014.4.13, and P040.1.1 are revised to correct and clarify the text. Effective 4-3-03.

P023.3.1 and P023.3.2 are revised to clarify the approval process for mailer authorizations to preprint rate markings on precanceled stamps or to use a precancel postmark on adhesive stamps, stamped cards, and stamped envelopes. Effective 3-6-03.

P030 is revised to clarify the required contents and format of meter indicia printed by meters and other postage evidencing systems in Postal Service facilities. Effective 1-9-03.

P030 is revised to clarify the required contents and format of meter indicia. Effective 10-3-02.

Exhibit P040.4.1b is revised to add CMM, a new option for mailing nonrectangular and irregular-shaped Regular Standard Mail and Nonprofit Standard Mail pieces. Effective 8-10-03.

R Rates and Fees

R600 is revised to add CMM, a new option for mailing nonrectangular and irregular-shaped Regular Standard Mail and Nonprofit Standard Mail pieces. Effective 8-10-03.

R900.4.0 is revised to change all instances of “per piece charges” to “per piece fees.” This change aligns the text in the DMM with the terminology used in the Domestic Mail Classification Schedule (DMCS), which is part of Title 39 Code of Federal Regulations (39 CFR). Effective 7-10-03.

R900.9.0 is revised to reflect the implementation of Confirm service. Effective 9-22-02.

S Special Services

S070.1.1 and S500.2.0 are revised to add CMM, a new option for mailing nonrectangular and irregular-shaped Regular Standard Mail and Nonprofit Standard Mail pieces. Effective 8-10-03.

S500.1.2 and S919.1.5 are revised to add new options for obtaining proof of delivery information for Express Mail and Signature Confirmation. Effective 7-10-03.

S911 and S912 are revised to include the toll-free number and clarify the options for retrieving the delivery status of Registered Mail and Certified Mail. Effective 5-20-03.

S918 and S919 are revised to add new language for the preparation and submission of PS Form 3152. Effective 7-11-02.

S918.1.0 and S919.1.0 are revised to clarify that, for First-Class Mail or Package Services, Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation may be used only for parcels and not for letter-size or flat-size mail. Effective 7-10-03.

S922, S923, and S924 are revised to change all instances of “per piece charges” to “per piece fees.” This change aligns the text in the DMM with the terminology used in the Domestic Mail Classification Schedule (DMCS), which is part of Title 39 Code of Federal Regulations (39 CFR). Effective 7-10-03.

S922.4.0 is amended to allow the “No Postage Necessary” imprint, the business reply legend, and the horizontal bars required on business reply mail to be printed on an insert appearing through an address window. Effective 11-28-02.

S941 is added to reflect the implementation of Confirm” service. Effective 9-22-02.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

• Administrative practice and procedure
• Postal Service

In consideration of the foregoing, 39 CFR part 111 is amended as set forth below:

PART 111—[AMENDED]

1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 414, 3001-3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.

2. The table at the end of Section 111.3(f) is amended by correcting the entry for Transmittal letter issue 56 and adding a new entry for Transmittal letter issue 58 to read as follows: