Proposed Service Standard Changes
6 Dec 2011 | No Comments | posted by admin | in DMM Advisory
On December 5, the Postal Service™ filed a request with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for an advisory opinion on proposed changes to mail service standards. The Postal Service also will seek public comment on proposed service standard changes for various mailing services products through a notice in the Federal Register. This action follows the solicitation of public comment on service standard changes previously published on September 15 along with numerous outreach efforts to the mailing community.
The most significant revisions would eliminate the expectation of overnight service for significant portions of First-Class Mail® and Periodicals; however, there would be an opportunity for mailers who properly prepare and enter mail at the destinating processing facility prior to the day’s critical entry time to have their mail delivered the following delivery day. In addition, the 2-day delivery range would be modified to include 3-digit ZIP Code origin-destination pairs that are currently overnight, and the 3-day delivery range also would be expanded.
These revisions would allow for a significant rationalization of the Postal Service’s mail processing and transportation networks. The Postal Service is completing the facility reviews using the well-established Area Mail Processing guidelines, which will continue as announced in September.
Supporting documents such as the proposed rule, an illustrative Service Standard Directory (SSD), and illustrative labeling lists are just a few of the requested documents that will be available on the Mailer Information website <http://about.usps.com/news/facility-studies/welcome.htm> . By Thursday, December 8, the website (http://about.usps.com/news/facility-studies/welcome.htm) and RIBBS <https://ribbs.usps.gov/> will be updated with documents and links supporting this announcement.
November DMM Update
8 Nov 2011 | No Comments | posted by admin | in DMM Advisory
Postal Explorer® (pe.usps.com) is your source for up-to-date mailing standards. The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) is fully searchable on Postal Explorer and features fly-out menus, cross-reference links, and an extensive subject index. Yesterday, we updated our mailing standards to include the following changes:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mailing Firearms—Clarification
We revised 601.12.1 through 601.12.3 to clarify the standards surrounding the mailability of firearms.
Our next scheduledDMMupdate is January 22.
Domestic and International Mailing — Price Change
24 Oct 2011 | No Comments | posted by admin | in DMM Advisory
Today the Federal Register published two of our notices on the proposed Mailing Services price change.
On October 18, we filed notices of a Market Dominant Price Adjustment for both domestic and international Mailing Services with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), to be effective on January 22, 2012.
New Standards for Domestic Mailing Services –This proposed rule contains revisions to the DMM® to accompany the price changes, including several mail classification changes, modifications to mailpiece characteristics, and changes in classification terminology.
International Mail: Proposed Product Rate and Fee Changes – This proposed rule contains revisions to the IMM®, including price changes to First-Class Mail International® and international extra services.
The proposed rules are now available on the Postal Explorer® website at pe.usps.com by clicking on “Federal Register Notices” in the left frame.
Customers are encouraged to comment on or before November 23, 2011. Final rules will be published shortly after the comment period ends.