Sack Preparation Changes for Periodicals Nonletter-Size Mailing Jobs That Include Automation Flat Rate and Presorted Rate Mailings

AGENCY:

Postal Service.

ACTION:

Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

This proposed rule would revise the standards for preparation of Periodicals nonletter-size mailing jobs that include both an automation flats mailing and a Presorted flats mailing to require use of the co-sacking preparation method in Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) M910.

DATES:

Comments must be received on or before November 30, 2000.

ADDRESSES:

Send written comments to the Manager, Mail Preparation and Standards, U.S. Postal Service, 1735 N. Lynn St, Room 3025, Arlington, VA 22209-6038. Copies of all written comments will be available for inspection and photocopying between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Postal Service Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 11-N, Washington DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lynn M. Martin, 703-292-3645.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Postal Service and the Periodicals industry are concerned over recent upward trends in the costs associated with processing Periodicals mail and have been studying ways to reverse these trends. Several ideas have come out of mutual discussions involving representatives from the Postal Service and the Periodicals industry. Cost models suggest that we can reduce handling costs for Periodicals by requiring sacked nonletter-size mail to be prepared in a manner that will reduce the number of sacks prepared and handled, and concurrently increase the number of more finely presorted sacks in the manner set forth as a presort option in Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) M910, to go into effect December 15, 2000. This presort option allows mailers of nonletter-size Periodicals (as well as flat-size First-Class Mail and Standard Mail (A)) to combine packages of automation rate mail and packages of Presorted rate mail in the same sack or, for First-Class Mail, in the same tray.

In order to reduce processing costs for the handling of Periodicals mail, the Postal Service is proposing that Periodicals mailers be required to prepare sacked mailing jobs of nonletter-size mail that include both an automation flats rate mailing and a Presorted rate mailing using the co-sacking preparation requirements in DMM M910.

The proposed effective date of this change is the date of implementation of the rates resulting from the R2000-1 rate case. It is anticipated that this implementation date will be in January 2001.

To help mailers identify the requirements for a Presorted rate mailing, this proposal also reorganizes Domestic Mail Manual E200 and M200 to separate the eligibility and presort requirements for Periodicals Presorted rate mailings from those of carrier route mailings. DMM E200 will now contain section E220 that pertains only to Presorted rate mailings and section E230 that pertains only to carrier route mailings. (The information published in proposed DMM E220 in the Federal Register proposed rule of August 29, 2000 (65 FR 52480), “Proposed Changes to the Domestic Mail Manual to Implement Docket No. R2000-1,” will be redesignated as DMM E217 when a final rule regarding that proposal is published.) DMM M200 will now contain section M210 that pertains only to Presorted rate mailings and section M220 that pertains only to carrier route mailings. Under current standards, Presorted and carrier route are two separate mailings with separate eligibility requirements and separate packaging and sacking requirements. This reorganization does not change current requirements, but reflects the separate mailing status of these two types of mailings. It also makes the DMM numbering for Periodicals consistent with the numbering system used for Standard Mail (A).

As information, the DMM language in this proposed rule incorporates revisions to the DMM from three previously published Federal Register final rules that also will take effect on the date of implementation of the rates resulting from the R2000-1 rate case. These final rules are:

1. “Sack Preparation Changes for Periodicals Nonletter-Size Pieces and Periodicals Prepared on Pallets” published on July 28, 2000 (65 FR 46361).

2. “Line-of-Travel Sequencing for Basic Carrier Route Periodicals” published on July 28, 2000 (65 FR 46363).

3. “Domestic Mail Manual Changes for Sacking and Palletizing Periodicals Nonletters and Standard Mail (A) Flats, for Traying First-Class Flats, and for Labeling Pallets” published on August 16, 2000 (65 FR 50054).

Accordingly, the numbering and the language of the DMM sections in this proposed rule have been synchronized with these final rules and may not match the numbering and language in current DMM Issue 55.

Although exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 410(a)), the Postal Service invites comments on the following proposed revisions to the Domestic Mail Manual, incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR part 111.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

• Administrative practice and procedure
• Postal Service

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. Revise the following sections of the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) as set forth below:

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

E Eligibility

E200 Periodicals

[Add heading E220 to read as follows:]

E220 Presorted Rates

[Add new summary to read as follows:]

Summary. E220 describes the eligibility standards for mailing Presorted rate mailings (5-digit, 3-digit, and basic rates). It also describes combining multiple publications or editions.

[Add new 1.0 that copies information from E230 and deletes information pertaining to carrier route mail to read as follows:]

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

1.1 Standards

The standards for Presorted rates are in addition to the basic standards for Periodicals in E210, the standards for other rates or discounts claimed, and the applicable preparation standards in M045, M200, M910, M920, M930, or M940. Not all combinations of presort level, automation, and destination entry discounts are permitted.

[Copy E230.1.2 as new E220.1.2 and amend to include references to new palletization options to read as follows:]

1.2 Palletized Mail

A correctly prepared package is the equivalent of a sack when palletized under M045, M920, M930, or M940. Individual pieces qualify for the presort level rate appropriate for the palletized packages in which they are placed, regardless of the destination of the pallet. Eligibility for destination entry or other zoned rates depends on the point of entry.

[Redesignate E230.1.3 as E220.1.3.]

1.4 Barcodes

[Copy E230.1.4 as E220.1.4 and amend by changing “nonautomation” to “Presorted” to read as follows:]

Any POSTNET barcode on a mailpiece in a Presorted Periodicals mailing must be correct for the delivery address and meet the standards in C840 and A950.

1.5 Documentation

[Copy E230.1.5 to E220.1.5, amend by adding information on postage statements to read as follows:]

A complete, signed postage statement, using the correct USPS form or an approved facsimile, must accompany each mailing, supported by standardized documentation meeting the basic standards in P012. Documentation of postage is not required if each piece in the mailing is of identical weight and the pieces are separated when presented for acceptance by rate, by zone (including separation by In-County and Outside-County rates), and by entry discount (e.g., DDU and DSCF).

[Add new heading 2.0 to read as follows:]

2.0 Rates

[Redesignate E230.3.0 through E230.5.0 as E220.2.1, 2.2, and 2.3, respectively.]

[Copy E230.7.0 as E220.3.0.]

[Revise the heading of E230 to read as follows:]

E230 Carrier Route Rates

[Amend the summary to exclude non-carrier route rates to read as follows:]

Summary. E230 describes the eligibility standards for mailing at carrier route rates. It also describes combining multiple publications or editions.

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

1.1 Standards

[Amend 1.1 to delete information on Presorted rate mail to read as follows:]

The standards for carrier route rates are in addition to the basic standards for Periodicals in E210, the standards for other rates or discounts claimed, and the applicable preparation standards in M045, M200, M910, M920, M930, or M940. Not all combinations of presort level, automation, and destination entry discounts are permitted.

[Amend 1.2 to include references to new palletization options to read as follows:]

1.2 Palletized Mail

A correctly prepared package is the equivalent of a sack when palletized under M045, M920, M930, or M940. Individual pieces qualify for the presort level rate appropriate for the palletized packages in which they are placed, regardless of the destination of the pallet. Eligibility for destination entry or other zoned rates depends on the point of entry.

[Redesignate the heading 2.1 as 1.3 and amend to read as follows:]

1.3 Carrier Route Code Accuracy

[Redesignate the text of 2.1 as 1.3 and amend to add references to the sequencing requirements to read as follows:]

Except for mailings prepared with a simplified address under A040, carrier route codes must be applied to mailings using CASS-certified software and the current USPS Carrier Route Information System (CRIS) scheme, hard copy CRIS files, or another AIS product containing carrier route information, subject to A930 and A950. Carrier route information must be updated within 90 days before the mailing date. The applicable sequencing requirements in 2.2, 3.0, and M050 must also be met.

1.5 Documentation

[Amend 1.5 to add information on postage statement standards and to add a cross-reference to the documentation requirements in M050 for sequencing to read as follows:]

A complete, signed postage statement, using the correct USPS form or an approved facsimile, must accompany each mailing, supported by standardized documentation meeting the basic standards in P012. Documentation of postage is not required if each piece in the mailing is of identical weight and the pieces are separated when presented for acceptance by rate, by zone (including separation by In-County and Outside-County rates), and by entry discount (e.g., DDU and DSCF). Documentation of sequencing and of density standards under M050 must be submitted with each mailing.

[Revise the heading of 2.0 (as set forth in the final rule published in 65 FR 50054, August 16, 2000), and add new heading 2.1 to read as follows:]

2.0 Sortation and Sequencing

2.1 Sortation

[Redesignate the contents of 2.2a (as set forth in the final rule published in 65 FR 50054, August 16, 2000) as 2.1a and b to separate letter mail standards from nonletter mail standards to read as follows:]

Preparation to qualify eligible pieces for carrier route rates is optional and is subject to M045, M200, or (nonletter-size mail only) M920, M930, or M940. Carrier route sort need not be done for all carrier routes in a 5-digit area. Specific rate eligibility is subject to these standards:

a. The carrier route rates for letter-size mail apply to copies that are prepared in carrier route packages of six or more pieces each that are sorted to carrier route, 5-digit carrier routes, or 3-digit carrier routes trays.

b. The carrier route rates for nonletter-size mail apply to copies of flat-size or irregular parcel-size pieces prepared in carrier route packages of six or more pieces each, and that are sorted to pallets under M045 or M920, M930, or M940, or sacked in carrier route, 5-digit scheme carrier routes, or 5-digit carrier routes sacks, and, if prepared under M920, merged 5-digit scheme sacks or merged 5-digit sacks. Preparation of 5-digit scheme carrier routes sacks or pallets is required and must be done for all 5-digit scheme destinations. Preparation of merged 5-digit sacks and merged 5-digit scheme sacks is optional but if performed must be done for all 5-digit ZIP Codes for which there is an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product that permits co-containerization of carrier route and 5-digit packages. Preparation of merged 5-digit pallets and merged 5-digit scheme pallets is optional but if performed must be done for all 5-digit ZIP Codes or 5-digit schemes for which those pallet levels are possible (under M920 if there is an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product, under M930 if the 5% threshold standard is met, and under M940 if ZIP Codes have an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product and if ZIP Codes with a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product meet the 5% threshold standards). For merged 5-digit scheme sacks or pallets, preparation also must be done for all 5-digit scheme destinations. The applicable sequencing requirements in M050 and in 2.2a or 2.2b also must be met.

[Amend the heading of 2.2 and redesignate 2.2b and c (as set forth in the final rule published in 65 FR 50054, August 16, 2000) as 2.2a and b, to read as follows:]

2.2 Sequencing Requirements

Carrier route mail must be prepared in delivery sequence as follows:

a. Basic carrier route rate mail must be prepared either in carrier walk sequence or in line-of-travel (LOT) sequence according to LOT schemes as prescribed by the USPS (M050).

b. The high density and saturation rates apply to pieces that are eligible for carrier route rates under 2.1, are prepared in carrier walk sequence, and meet the applicable density standards in 3.0 for the rate claimed.

[Redesignate 6.0 (as set forth in the final rule published in 65 FR 50054, August 16, 2000) as 3.0; amend redesignated 3.1 by changing the reference “2.2” to “1.0 and 2.0” and by changing the reference “6.4” to “3.4”, amend redesignated 3.4 by changing all references to “6.4” to “3.4.”]

[Redesignate 7.0 as 4.0.]

M200 Periodicals (Nonautomation)

[Add new heading M210 to read as follows:]

M210 Presorted Rate Periodicals

[Redesignate the summary of M200 as the summary of M210 and amend to delete references to carrier route mail to read as follows:]

Summary. M200 describes the basic standards for Periodicals Presorted rate mailings including package and tray preparation for letters, and package and sack preparation for flats and irregular parcels. Additional requirements for preparing mail on pallets are in M041 and M045, or M041 and M920, M930, or M940. For standards on automation rate Periodicals mailings see E240 and M810 (letters) or M820 (flats), as applicable. For standards on carrier route mailings see E230 and M220.

[Redesignate M200.1.0 as M210.1.0.]

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

[Revise heading and text of redesignated M210.1.1 for clarity and to exclude Presorted rate sacked nonletter-size mailings that contain an automation rate mailing to read as follows:]

1.1 Basic Standards

For all letter-size mailings, for sacked mailing jobs of nonletter-size mail that do not contain an automation rate mailing or a carrier route mailing, and for all palletized mailing jobs the following standards must be met for the Presorted rate mailing:

a. All pieces in each Presorted rate Periodicals mailing must be in the same processing category.

b. Letter-size pieces must be packaged under 2.0 and prepared in trays under 3.0. Trays prepared under this section may subsequently be palletized under M041 and M045.

c. Nonletter-size pieces must be packaged under 2.0. Packages placed on pallets must meet additional packaging criteria under M045.

d. Packages of nonletter-size pieces must be sacked or palletized as follows:

(1) sacked under 4.0, except that a Presorted rate mailing that is part of a mailing job that also contains an automation flats mailing must be sacked under M910 or M920 as described in 1.2; or

(2) palletized under M041 and M045, M920, M930, or M940.

e. Sacks prepared under 4.0 may subsequently be prepared on pallets under M041 and M045.

f. All pieces must be sorted together to the finest extent required under the applicable sortation standards described above.

g. Postmasters may authorize preparation of small mailings in non-postal containers if they consist primarily of packages for local ZIP Codes, do not exceed 20 pounds, and do not require postal transportation for processing.

[Redesignate 1.2 as 1.3 and add new 1.2 to read as follows:]

1.2 Additional Standards for Nonletter Sacked Mailing Jobs Containing More Than One Mailing

The following standards apply:

a. Flats and irregular parcel mailings prepared in sacks that are part of a mailing job that contains a carrier route rate mailing, an automation flat rate mailing, and a Presorted rate mailing must be prepared under one of the following options: (1) the carrier route mailing must be prepared under E230 and M220 and the automation rate and Presorted rate mailings must be prepared under M910; or (2) all three mailings in the mailing job must be prepared under M920.

b. Flats and irregular parcel mailings prepared in sacks that are part of a mailing job that contain only an automation flats mailing under E240 and a Presorted rate mailing under E220 must be presorted under the co-sacking standards in M910.

c. Sacked mailing jobs that contain only a carrier route mailing and a Presorted rate mailing may be separately sacked under M210 and M220, or may be prepared using the merged sacking option under M920.

1.5 Low-Volume Packages and Sacks

[Amend redesignated 1.5 to change internal references and to correct the names of applicable pallet levels to read as follows:]

As a general exception to 2.2a through 2.2c and 4.0a through 4.0d, nonletter-size Periodicals may be prepared in 5-digit and 3-digit packages containing fewer than six pieces when the publisher determines that such preparation improves service, provided those packages are placed in 5-digit, 3-digit, and SCF sacks. These low-volume packages may be placed on 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, 3-digit, and SCF pallets under M045, or on merged 5-digit scheme, 5-digit scheme carrier routes, 5-digit scheme, merged 5-digit, 5-digit, 3-digit, or SCF pallets under M920, M930, and M940.

[Delete 1.6.]

[Redesignate 1.7 as 1.6 and amend by deleting “or pallets” from the end of the first sentence, by deleting “sacks or” from the end of the second sentence, by changing the section number references, and by adding a new last sentence to read as follows:]

1.6 Merged Palletization of Nonletter-Size Carrier Route, Automation Rate, and Presorted Rate Mail

Under the standards in M920, nonletter-size firm and 5-digit packages that are prepared under 1.0 and under 2.2a and 2.2b may be co-sacked with nonletter-size firm and carrier route packages prepared under M220 and with nonletter-size 5-digit packages at automation rates prepared under M820 in merged 5-digit sacks and in merged 5-digit scheme sacks. Under the standards in M920, M930, or M940, nonletter-size firm and 5-digit packages that are prepared under 1.0, 2.2a, and 2.2b may be copalletized with nonletter-size firm and carrier route packages prepared under M220 and with nonletter-size 5-digit packages at automation rates prepared under M820 on merged 5-digit pallets and on merged 5-digit scheme pallets. See 1.2a for information on when preparation under M920 may be required.

2.0 PACKAGE PREPARATION

2.1 General

Package preparation is subject to M020 and the specific standards below.

[Delete 2.2 and 2.3; redesignate 2.4 as 2.2 and amend to delete information on carrier route packages to read as follows:]

2.2 Package Preparation

Package size, preparation sequence, and labeling:

a. Firm: optional (two-piece minimum); blue Label F or optional endorsement line (OEL).

b. 5-digit: required (six-piece minimum, fewer not permitted except under 1.5); red Label D or OEL; labeling optional for mail placed in full 5-digit trays.

c. 3-digit: required (six-piece minimum, fewer not permitted except under 1.5); green Label 3 or OEL.

d. ADC: required (six-piece minimum, fewer not permitted); pink Label A or OEL.

e. Mixed ADC: required (no minimum); tan Label MXD or OEL.

[Redesignate 3.0 as 4.0 and redesignate 4.0 as 3.0, amend redesignated 3.0 and 4.0, respectively, by consolidating former subsections into a single section for trays and a single section for sacks to read as follows:]

3.0 TRAY PREPARATION (LETTER-SIZE PIECES)

Tray size, preparation sequence, and labeling (Line 1 and 2):

a. 5-digit: required at 24 pieces, optional with one six-piece package minimum.

(1) Line 1: use 5-digit ZIP Code destination of packages, preceded for military mail by the prefixes under M031.

(2) Line 2: “LTRS 5D NON BC.”

b. 3-digit: required at 24 pieces (no minimum for required origin/optional entry 3-digit(s)), optional with one six-piece package minimum.

(1) Line 1: use L002, Column A.

(2) Line 2: “LTRS 3D NON BC.”

c. ADC: required at 24 pieces, optional with one six-piece package minimum.

(1) Line 1: use L004.

(2)+ Line 2: “LTRS ADC NON BC.”

d. Mixed ADC: required (no minimum).

(1) Line 1: use “MXD” followed by the city/state/ZIP of the ADC serving the 3-digit ZIP Code of the entry post office, as shown in L004.

(2) Line 2: “LTRS NON BC WKG.”

4.0 SACK PREPARATION (FLAT-SIZE PIECES AND IRREGULAR PARCELS)

For mailing jobs that also contain an automation rate mailing see 1.2 and M910 or M920. For other mailing jobs, the following are the sack size, preparation sequence, and lines 1 and 2 labeling:

a. 5-digit: required at 24 pieces, optional with one six-piece package minimum except under 1.5.

(1) Line 1: use 5-digit ZIP Code destination of packages, preceded for military mail by the prefixes under M031.

(2) Line 2: “PER” or NEWS,” as applicable, followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG,” as applicable, and “5D NON BC.”

b. 3-digit: required at 24 pieces, optional with one six-piece package minimum except under 1.5.

(1) Line 1: use L002, Column A.

(2) “PER” or “NEWS,” as applicable, followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG,” as applicable, and “5D NON BC.”

c. SCF: required at 24 pieces, optional with one six-piece package minimum except under 1.5.

(1) Line 1: use L002, Column C.

(2) Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS,” as applicable, followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG,” as applicable, and “SCF NON BC.”

d. Origin/entry SCF: required for the SCF of the origin (verification) office, optional for the SCF of an entry office other than the origin office, (no minimum); for Line 1 use L002, Column C.

(1) Line 1: use L002, Column C.

(2) Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS,” as applicable, followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG,” as applicable, and “SCF NON BC.”

e. ADC: required at 24 pieces, optional with one six-piece package minimum.

(1) Line 1: use L004.

(2) Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS,” as applicable, followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG,” as applicable, and “ADC NON BC.”

f. Mixed ADC: required (no minimum).

(1) Line 1: use “MXD” followed by the city/state/ZIP of the ADC serving the 3-digit ZIP Code of the entry post office, as shown in L004.

(2) Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS,” as applicable, followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG,” as applicable, and “NON BC WKG.”

[Add new M220 to read as follows:]

M220 Carrier Route Periodicals Mail

Summary. M220 describes the basic standards for Periodicals carrier route mailings including package and tray preparation for letters, and package and sack preparation for flats and irregular parcels. Additional requirements for preparing mail on pallets are in M041 and M045, or M041 and M920, M930, or M940. For standards on automation rate Periodicals mailings see E240 and M810 (letters) or M820 (flats), as applicable. For standards on Presorted rate mailings see E220 and M210.

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

1.1 General Preparation Standards

The following standards must be met for carrier route mailings:

a. All pieces in each carrier route Periodicals mailing must be in the same processing category.

b. Letter-size pieces must be packaged under 2.0 and prepared in trays under 3.0. Trays prepared under this section may subsequently be palletized under M041 and M045.

c. Nonletter-size pieces must be packaged under 2.0. Packages placed on pallets must meet additional packaging standards under M045.

d. Packages of nonletter-size pieces must be sacked or palletized as follows:

(1) sacked under 4.0 or, if eligible, under M920; or

(2) palletized under M041 and M045, M920, M930, or M940.

e. Sacks prepared under 4.0 may subsequently be prepared on pallets under M041 and M045.

d. All pieces must be sorted together to the finest extent required under the applicable sortation standards described above.

e. Postmasters may authorize preparation of small mailings in non-postal containers if they consist primarily of packages for local ZIP Codes, do not exceed 20 pounds, and do not require postal transportation for processing.

[Copy former M200.1.2 as M210.1.2 and add the following as the last sentence:]

1.2 Documentation

* * * Documentation of sequencing and of density standards under M050 must be submitted with each mailing.

[Change the title of redesignated 1.3 from “Basic Carrier Route and Walk Sequence” to “Sequencing Standards.”]

[Copy former M200.1.4 as M220.1.4.]

1.5 Low-Volume Packages and Sacks

As a general exception to 2.4b and 4.0b and 4.0c, nonletter-size Periodicals may be prepared in carrier route packages containing fewer than six pieces when the publisher determines that such preparation improves service, provided those packages are placed in 5-digit scheme carrier routes, or 5-digit carrier routes sacks. Low-volume carrier route packages prepared under DMM M920 may also be placed in merged 5-digit scheme, 5-digit scheme carrier routes, merged 5-digit, and 5-digit carrier routes sacks. These low-volume packages also may be placed on 5-digit scheme carrier routes, 5-digit scheme, 5-digit carrier routes, 5-digit, 3-digit, and SCF pallets under M045, or on merged 5-digit scheme, 5-digit scheme carrier routes, 5-digit scheme, merged 5-digit, 5-digit carrier routes, 5-digit, 3-digit and SCF pallets under M041 and M920, M930, or M940.

[Copy current M200.1.7 as M220.1.6 and amend by deleting “or pallets” from the end of the first sentence, by adding a new second sentence, by deleting “sacks or” from the end of the third sentence, and by changing the section number references, to read as follows:]

1.6 Merged Containerization of Nonletter-Size Carrier Route, Automation Rate, and Presorted Rate Mail

Under the standards in M920, nonletter-size firm and carrier route packages that are prepared under 1.0 and 2.4 may be co-sacked with nonletter-size 5-digit packages prepared under M210 and with nonletter-size 5-digit packages at automation rates prepared under M820 in merged 5-digit sacks and in merged 5-digit scheme sacks or pallets. For sacked mailing jobs of nonletters that contain an automation and a Presorted rate mailing as well as a carrier route mailing, preparation under M920 is required unless mailers elect to prepare the automation and Presorted rate mailings under M910 (see M210.1.2a) and prepare the carrier route mailing under M220. Under the standards in M920, M930, or M940, nonletter-size firm and carrier route packages that are prepared under 1.0 and 2.4 may be copalletized with nonletter-size 5-digit packages prepared under M210 and with nonletter-size 5-digit packages at automation rates prepared under M820 on merged 5-digit pallets and on merged 5-digit scheme pallets.

2.0 PACKAGE PREPARATION

2.1 General

Package preparation is subject to M020 and the specific standards below.

2.2 Optional Higher Package Minimums

A mailer may choose to prepare carrier route packages at a higher level of route saturation (for example, only if there are at least 15 pieces per route). Under this option, smaller groups of six or more pieces per carrier route not prepared in carrier route packages for carrier route rates must be prepared for and paid at another applicable rate.

2.3 Walk-Sequence Identification

In addition to the package label showing carrier route type and number under 2.4, each package of Periodicals walk-sequence mail must show that the mail is walk sequenced and the level of sequencing. A facing slip with the phrase “HIGH DENSITY WALK-SEQUENCED CARRIER ROUTE MAIL” or “SATURATION WALK-SEQUENCED CARRIER ROUTE MAIL” (as applicable) may be placed on the top of each package of walk-sequence mail. It may be an address label with the required information placed on a sample mailpiece that is the top piece in the package, or a slip of paper affixed to the top of the package. If packages are prepared without facing slips, an optional endorsement line or carrier route information line must be placed on each piece in the package to provide the equivalent information.

2.4 Package Preparation

Package size, preparation sequence, and labeling:

a. Firm: optional (two-piece minimum); blue Label F or optional endorsement line (OEL).

b. Carrier route: optional but required for rate eligibility (six-piece minimum, fewer not permitted except under 1.5); labeling required except for packages placed in a direct carrier route tray or sack (facing slip, OEL, or CR information line).

3.0 TRAY PREPARATION (LETTER-SIZE PIECES)

Tray size, preparation sequence, and Line 1 and 2 labeling:

a. Carrier route: required for rate eligibility at 24 pieces, optional with one six-piece package minimum.

(1) Line 1: use 5-digit ZIP Code destination of packages, preceded for military mail by the prefixes under M031.

(2) Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS,” as applicable, followed by “LTRS,” followed by “WSS” for saturation rate mail, or “WSH” for high density rate mail, or “CR” for basic rate mail, and followed by the route type and number.

b. 5-digit carrier routes: required for rate eligibility if full tray, optional with minimum one six-piece package.

(1) Line 1: use 5-digit ZIP Code destination of packages, preceded for military mail by the prefixes under M031.

(2) Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS,” as applicable, followed by “LTRS CR-RTS.”

c. 3-digit carrier routes: optional with minimum one six-piece package for each of two or more 5-digit areas.

(1) Line 1: use the city/state/ZIP shown in L002, Column A that corresponds to the 3-digit ZIP Code prefix of packages.

(2) Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS,” as applicable, followed by “LTRS 3D CR-RTS.”

4.0 SACK PREPARATION (FLAT-SIZE PIECES AND IRREGULAR PARCELS)

Sack size, preparation sequence, and Line 1 and 2 labeling:

a. Carrier route: required for rate eligibility at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted.

(1) Line 1: use 5-digit ZIP Code destination of packages, preceded for military mail by the prefixes under M031.

(2) Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable, followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable, followed by “WSS” for saturation rate mail, or “WSH” for high density rate mail, or “CR” for basic rate mail, and followed by the route type and number.

b. 5-digit scheme carrier routes: required for rate eligibility (no minimum).

(1) Line 1: use L001, Column B.

(2) Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable, followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable, followed by “CR-RTS SCH.”

c. 5-digit carrier routes: required for rate eligibility (no minimum).

(1) Line 1: use 5-digit ZIP Code destination of packages, preceded for military mail by the prefixes under M031.

(2) Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable, followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable, followed by “CR-RTS.”

[Copy current M200.5.0 and add as M220.5.0.]

[Copy current M200.6.0 and add as M220.6.0.]

M800 All Automation Mail

M820 Flat-Size Mail

1.0 Basic Standards