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Postal Updates

New Channel Direct is here to help you stay current on changes to mailing standards that affect your bottom line. Below is a summary of changes from the United States Postal Service.

January 22, 2012

New Standards for Domestic Mailing Services

We revised various sections to reflect price adjustments and mailing requirements changes associated with the October 2011 filing with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). We published this information in the December 29, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Domestic Shipping Services Pricing and Mailing Standards Changes

We revised various sections, to reflect changes to prices and mailing standards for the following Shipping Services: Express Mail, Priority Mail, First-Class Package Service, Parcel Select, Parcel Return Service, Mailer Services, Recipient Services. We published this information in the December 15, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Combined Mailings of Standard Mail and Periodicals Flats

We added a new section, 705.15.0, providing optional standards for combining Standard Mail flats and Periodicals flats within the same bundle, when placed on pallets; and for combining bundles of Standard Mail flats and bundles of Periodicals flats on the same pallet.We published this information in the October 6, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Periodicals PS Form 3541-M - Discontinued

We revised 707.17.5.1 to revise the practice of submitting one Periodicals postage statement for all issues mailed in a calendar month. We published this information in the November 3, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Priority Mail Commercial Plus Cubic Packaging Alternatives

We revised 402.2.2, 423.1.4, and 425.2.3 to introduce two new Priority Mail Commercial Plus Cubic packaging alternatives—soft-pack envelopes and padded envelopes. We published this information in the November 3, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Intelligent Mail Package Barcode Implementation for Commercial Parcels

We revised various sections to provide new standards for the use of Intelligent Mail package barcodes (IMpb). We published this information in the November 17, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Combined Mailings of Standard Mail and Periodicals Flats—Clarification

We revised 705.15.0, to reflect standards changes related to combined mailings of Standard Mail and Periodicals flats. We published this information in the December 1, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Copalletized, Combined, or Mixed-Price Level Palletized Mailings—Correction

We revised 705.8.7.4 to clarify that the presort level of Standard Mail letter-size pieces that are part of a copalletized or combined mailing must accurately reflect the postage and entry discount paid at the origin site. We published this information in the December 1, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Eligibility for Destination Entry Prices per NDC and ASF Labeling Lists

We revised various sections to delete destination network distribution center (DNDC) eligibility Exhibits 246.3.1, 346.3.1, 366.4.1, 446.3.1, 453.3.1.3, and 466.4.4. We published this information in the December 1, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Products Mailable at Nonprofit Standard Mail Prices

We revised 703.1.6.11 to indicate that products mailed at Nonprofit Standard Mail prices must meet at least one of three exceptions. A low-cost item is one of the exceptions referenced in the Internal Revenue Code. We published this information in the December 15, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Express Mail Domestic Postage Refund Policy and Waiver of Signature

We revised various sections to modify the policy for filing claims for domestic Express Mail postage refunds from 90 days to 30 days after the date of mailing. We published this information in the December 15, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Antique Firearms—Clarification

We revised 601.12.1.1a. to clarify that antique firearms that meet the definition of a handgun according to USPS standards are also subject to the mailing requirements in 601.12.2 through 601.12.7. We published this information in the December 29, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

November 7, 2011

Listing of USPS-Approved Adult Fowl Mailing Containers

We revised 601.9.3.4 to add a reference for a new listing of USPS-approved container vendors for the mailing of adult fowl and other approved birds. We published this information in the October 6, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Mailing Firearms—Clarification

We revised 601.12.1 through 601.12.3 to clarify the standards surrounding the mailability of firearms. We published this information in the October 6, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Centralization of Move Update and ZIP Code Accuracy Standards

We revised 233.3.0, 243.3.0, 333.3.0, 343.3.0, 363.4.0, 433.3.0, 443.3.0, and 463.4.0 to consolidate and centralize Move Update and ZIP Code accuracy standards into new sections 602.5.0 and 602.6.0. We published this information in the October 6, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Post Office (PO) Box Fee Groups for Merged Locations

We revised 508.4.0 to allow Post Office Box (PO Box) fee groups to be merged into a single location due to Post Office mergers and to have the ability to change a fee group more than one higher or lower level at a time in limited circumstances. We published this information in the September 22, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Suspension of Periodicals Privileges

We revised 707.8.3.4 to amend the authority for noncompliance from the postmaster to the Pricing and Classification Service Center (PCSC) when a publisher does not file PS Form 3526, Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation, or publish the information provided on the form. We published this information in the October 6, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

USPS Return Services

We revised 126.1.0, 136.1.0, 156.1.0 and 705.24.0 to introduce new options designed for the return of merchandise; and to add a new subchapter 505 to consolidate all other USPS return service standards. We published this information in the September 22, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Reassignment of ZIP Codes Between NDCs and ASFs: Revision to Destination Entry Exhibits

We revised 246, 346, 366, 446, 453, and 466 to change the exhibits for destination network distribution center (DNDC) eligibility to reflect the reassignment of certain 3-digit ZIP Code ranges. We published this information in the October 20, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

October 3, 2011

Parcel Return Service—Clarifications

We revised 507.13.0 to clarify standards regarding Parcel Return Service (PRS). We published this information in the September 8, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

2010 Standard Mail Incentive Program Removal

We revised 709 by removing section 2.0, Standard Mail Incentive Program. We published this information in the September 8, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Service Standards for Express Mail Military Service (EMMS)

We revised 703.2.0 which clarifies the USPS service commitment for Express Mail items sent to and from APO/FPO and DPO destinations. We published this information in the September 22, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

First-Class Package Service

We revised 401, 402, 433, 434, 435, 436, 503, 507, 602, 705, and 708 to introduce First-Class Package Service, which replaces and removes First-Class Mail commercial base and commercial plus parcels from the market-dominant product offering. We published this information in the September 8, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

September 6, 2011

Reply Rides Free Incentive Program—Weight Increase

We revised 233.7.0 to allow First-Class Mail letters weighing over 1 ounce but no more than 2 ounces to be eligible for the Reply Rides Free incentive program. We published this information in the August 11, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Automated Postal Center (APC) Insurance Indemnity Increase

We revised 503.4.0 to increase the insurance indemnity available at an Automated Postal Center (APC) from $500 to $5,000. We published this information in the August 11, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Booklets—Tabs, Tape and Glue

We revised 201.3.11 to permit the use of additional types of glue to seal booklet-type mailpieces and folded self mailers, and to clarify the sealing method for die cut flaps. We published this information in the June 30, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Group E Post Office Box Service

We revised 508.4.6 to clarify eligibility, simplify the standards, and facilitate uniform administration for Group E (free) Post Office (PO) box service. We published this information in the August 11, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Shortpaid and Unpaid Information-Based Indicia (IBI) Postage and Shortpaid Express Mail Postage

We revised 604.4.0, 604.8.0, and 604.10.0, to implement revenue protection procedures for mailpieces entered with shortpaid and unpaid Information Based Indicia (IBI) postage payment generated by Click-N-Ship, IBI postage meters, and PC Postage products, and also to implement revenue protection procedures for shortpaid Express Mail postage. We published this information in the August 11, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Standard Mail Nonmachinable Letter Preparation

We revised 243.5.5 and 245.5.4 to provide a new option for sortation of nonmachinable letters. We published this information in the August 11, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Reassignment of ZIP Codes between Memphis NDC and Dallas NDC

We revised 246.3.0, 346.3.0, 366.4.0, 446.3.0, 453.3.0, and 466.4.0 to incorporate the following mail processing changes: Mailers preparing destination network distribution center (DNDC) mailings must change their mail preparation for mail addressed to 3-digit ZIP Code 706 destinations by labeling those containers to Memphis NDC, and enter that mail at the Memphis NDC facility rather than at the Dallas NDC facility. Mailers with DNDC mailings must also change their preparation for mail for 3-digit ZIP Codes 713 and 714 by labeling those containers to the Dallas NDC rather than the Memphis NDC. We published this information in the July 28, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

August 1, 2011

Media Mail and Library Mail—Consolidation

We revised 170, 370, and 470 to combine the standards for Media Mail and Library Mail. With that combination, sections 180, 380, and 480 are eliminated. We published this information in the July 28, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Use of Precanceled Stamps—Clarification

We revised 234, 244, 334, 344, 434, 444 and 604.3.0 to clarify standards for use of precanceled stamps and the use of mailer's precancel postmarks. We published this information in the July 14, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

July 5, 2011

Bundle Preparation - Strapping Transparency

We revised 300, 400, 705 and 707 to provide standards for the transparency characteristic of clear strapping. We published this information in the June 2, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Clarification on Processing Refund Requests for Unused Meter Indicia

We revised 604.9.3 to clarify the standards that apply to the payment of approved refund requests for unused postage evidencing system indicia. We published this information in the June 2, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Forwarding and Return Service for Parcel Select Mailpieces

We revised 507.1.0 and 507.2.0 to discontinue the free local forwarding of Parcel Select mailpieces and to eliminate the option to request discontinuance of forwarding. We published this information in the June 2, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

New Authorization Process for Mailers Using Special Postage Payment Systems

We revised 705 to reflect a new authorization process for mailers wishing to mail under a special postage payment system, and to remove reference to fixed 2-year authorization periods. We published this information in the June 2, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

New Standards for Round-Trip Mailings of Optical Discs

We revised 100, 200, 300, and 500 to provide new standards for round-trip mailings with one standard optical disc no larger than 12 centimeters in diameter enclosed per mailpiece. We published this information in the June 2, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Adult Signature Service

We revised 503, 508.7.2, 601.11.6, and 703.3.2, to add a new extra service called Adult Signature. We published this information in the June 16, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Mobile Barcode Promotion

We revised 709.4.0 to add a temporary promotion for First-Class Mail cards, letters and flats, and Standard Mail letters and flats bearing two-dimensional mobile barcodes. We published this information in the June 30, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

June 6, 2011

Optional Use of a Local Permit Imprint in Other Mailing Locations

We revised 604.5.3 to provide a new option to mailers contributing permit imprint mailpieces to a mailing presented under an authorized First-Class Mail or Standard Mail Mailings with Different Payment Methods Mailing System. We published this information in the March 24, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Pallet Placards and Intelligent Mail Tray Labels

We revised 705.8.6 and 708.6.6 to provide an additional option for mailers who need to print destination entry office information on pallet placards. We published this information in the March 24, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Revised MLOCR Automation Price Marking Codes

We revised 705.5.3.2a. and 705.5.3.2b. to provide an updated listing of multiline optical character reader (MLOCR) automation price marking codes. We published this information in the April 21, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

New Customs Declarations Label Requirements

We revised 608.2.4 to require mailpieces containing goods that enter the Customs Territory of the United States (CTUS), from outside the CTUS, to bear a customs declaration label. We published this information in the April 21, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Market Dominant Negotiated Service Agreement for First-Class Mail and Standard Mail

We added 709.1.4 to establish a new Negotiated Service Agreement (NSA) market dominant product for the combined total revenue of First-Class Mail automation letters, Standard Mail automation letters, and Standard Mail carrier route barcoded automation-compatible letters. We published this information in the May 5, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

POSTNET Barcode Certification Program

We revised 509.1.7, and Notice 123, Price List, to remove the POSTNET Barcode Certification Program which is no longer in use. We published this information in the May 19, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Revocation of Permit Imprints

We revised 604.5.2.2, to specify that, among others, one of the conditions that a permit imprint may be revoked is for failure to mail using the permit or pay the fees for a two-year consecutive period.We published this information in the May 19, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

April 17, 2011

New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services

We revised Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 401, 433, and 434 to revise pricing and eligibility standards for commercial First-Class Mail. We additionally revised DMM 604 to eliminate the sale of Standard Mail stamped envelopes, and DMM 360, 370, and 380 to extend changes to weight computations for Package Services flats to mirror changes made previously for Package Services parcels. We also made a minor change to DMM 201 to clarify new terminology regarding Standard Mail nonmachinable letters. We published this information in the March 10, 2011 Postal Bulletin.

New Mailing Options for Flats and Irregular Parcels Bearing a Simplified Address

We revised Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 602.3.2 to extend the option to use a simplified address format to Periodicals flats and irregular parcels and Bound Printed Matter flats, intended for distribution to city delivery routes and to Post Office (PO) box sections in Post Office locations with city delivery service. We published this information in the February 24, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Carrier Release Endorsements

We revised Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 202.4.0, 302.4.3, 402.3.3 and 508.1.2 to clarify that uninsured parcels and parcels not requiring a signature may bear the endorsement, “CARRIER—LEAVE IF NO RESPONSE.” We published this information in the March 3, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Express Mail and Priority Mail Open and Distribute — Clarification of Destination Entry

We revised Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 240, 340, 360, 440, 450, 460, 705, and 707 to clarify that mail expedited by the proper use of Express Mail Open and Distribute and Priority Mail Open and Distribute is eligible for destination entry prices, as applicable for the shape and class of mail. We also revised DMM 705.17.0 to add Area Distribution Center (ADC) and Auxiliary Service Facility (ASF) as destination entry sites for Express Mail Open and Distribute. We published this information in the March 24, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Introduction of Priority Mail Forever Prepaid Flat Rate Packaging and Shipping Services Revisions

We revised Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 123, 124.1.0, 125.1.0, 213.1.0, 223.1.0, 313.1.0, 323.1.0, 423.1.0, and 604.9.0, to introduce Priority Mail Forever Prepaid Flat Rate packaging and to clarify Shipping Services DMM revisions from January 2011. We published this information in the March 24, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Domestic Shipping Services Product Launch of Parcel Select Regional Ground and Shipping Services Clarifications

We revised Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM ) 401.1.0, 401.2.0, 453.1.0, 453.3.0, 454.1.0, 455.7.0, 456.1.0, 456.2.0, 503.4.0, 503.9.0, 503.10.0, 508.7.0, 602.1.0, 602.3.0, 705.2.0, 705.6.0, 705.7.0, 705.8.0, 705.16.0, 705.21.0, 708.6.0, and labeling list, to introduce a new competitive shipping option, Parcel Select Regional Ground service and clarify mailing standards from the January 2011 Shipping Services price change. We published this information in the April 7, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Labeling List Changes

We revised Labeling List(s) L001, L002, L004, L005, L006, L007, L009, L010, L011, L201, and L606 to reflect changes in mail processing operations. We published this information in the April 21, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

February 7, 2011

Collect on Delivery Service

We revised 503.11.2.1 to clarify standards that apply to disputes regarding Collect on Delivery (COD) services once payment is returned to the mailer. Specifically, the Postal Service cannot intervene in disputes between mailers and recipients of COD mail after postal records indicate payment was returned to the mailer. We published this information in the January 13, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Submission of Electronic Documentation with Comailed and Copalletized Mailings

We revised 705.8.7, 705.8.8, 705.8.16 and 707.27.0 to require mailers preparing comailed or copalletized mailings, or mail owners who contribute mailpieces to a consolidated comailed or copalletized mailing, to submit electronic documentation to the USPS by an approved method. We published this information in the December 16, 2010, Postal Bulletin.

New Preparation Standards for Flat-Size Mailpieces Destinating in FSS Zones

We revised 343.6.0, 343.7.0, 363.5.0, 363.6.0, 705.14.0, 707.13.0, 707.14.0 and Labeling List L006 to provide new standards for mail preparation of flat-size Standard Mail, Periodicals, and Bound Printed Matter mailpieces prepared for delivery within the ZIP Codes served by Flats Sequencing System (FSS) processing. We published this information in the January 27, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Market Test: Alternate Postage Payment Method for Greeting Cards

We revised 709.3.0 to conduct a 2-year market test of the Alternate Postage Payment Method for Greeting Cards. The market test is effective from January 2, 2011, through December 31, 2012. We published this information in the January 27, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Processing Refund Requests for Unused Meter Indicia

We revised 604.9.0 to clarify standards that apply to processing refund requests for unused postage evidencing system indicia. We published this information in the January 13, 2011, Postal Bulletin.

Labeling List Changes

We revised labeling lists L001, L002, L003, L005, L006, L007, L201, L606, and L607 to reflect changes in mail processing operations. We published this revision in the February 10, 2011, Postal Bulletin.