DMM Advisory – June Update

Postal Explorer (pe.usps.com) is your source for up-to-date mailing standards. The Domestic Mail Manual is fully searchable on Postal Explorer and features fly-out menus, cross-reference links, and an extensive subject index. Today we updated our mailing standards to capture the following changes:

Booklets: New Optional Design for Letter-Sized Booklets
We revised 201.3.0 to modify language that refers to the bound edge of a booklet as an edge and to rename the bound edge as the spine; to modify the reference to cover paper for one design format; to extend booklet design parameters; and to introduce a second folding option in the folded booklet category.

New Deflection Standards for Commercial Flat-Size Mail
We revised 301.1.0 to implement new deflection standards on commercial flat-size mail.

New Facing Identification Mark (FIM) E Pattern
We revised 708.9.0 to add a new FIM E pattern that will be used for future customized services.

Click-N-Ship Insurance Indemnity Coverage Increase—Feasibility Test Extension
We revised 709.4.0 to extend the feasibility test period that permits the purchase of domestic Click-N-Ship online insurance coverage up to $5,000.00

Labeling List Changes
We revised Labeling List(s) L001, L002, L003, L004, L005, L007, L008, L009, L011, L201, L606, and L607 to reflect changes in mail processing operations.

Our next scheduled DMM update is July 6.

Change in Intelligent Mail Barcode Requirements for Letter-Size and Flat-Size Business Reply Mail, Courtesy Reply Mail

We recently revised the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to postpone the Intelligent Mail® barcode (IMb) requirement for Qualified Business Reply Mail® (QBRM) and permit reply mail (PRM) pieces until May 2011. Current DMM standards, which we are not proposing to change, require an IMb on all BRM letters and on all PRM pieces as of May 2011.

This advance announcement is intended to provide customers with reasonable time to use up existing stock. We will be publishing a Federal Register proposed rule to require BRM flats (in addition to letters as stated above) to use an Intelligent Mail Barcode as of May 2011.  In addition, in the Federal Register proposed rule, Courtesy Reply Mail™ that does include a barcode must bear an Intelligent Mail barcode effective May 2011.

DMM Advisory

Two New Federal Register Proposed Rules On Postal Explorer

We have posted two new Federal Register proposed rules on the Postal Explorer® website at pe.usps.com. Just click on Federal Register Notices in the left frame.

Express Mail Next Day Delivery Postage Refund Amendment

This Express Mail® notice proposes to remove the overnight guarantee postage payment during the timeframe of December 22 through December 25 of each year. This is consistent with industry standards. Comments are encouraged on or before June 1, 2010.

Treatment of Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco as Nonmailable Matter

This proposed rule notice pertains to the mailing of tobacco cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, and follows the specific requirements of the Prevent All Tobacco Cigarettes Trafficking (PACT) Act, which restricts the mailability of these products. Comments must be received on or before May 17, 2010.

DMM Advisory – May Update

Postal Explorer (pe.usps.com) is your source for up-to-date mailing standards. The Domestic Mail Manual is fully searchable on Postal Explorer and features fly-out menus, cross-reference links, and an extensive subject index. Today we updated our mailing standards to capture the following changes:

Scheduled Pickup on Demand
We revised 507.6.0 to standardize the process for scheduled Pickup on Demand service by providing a new service agreement form. Additionally, we authorized PC Postage as an approved method to pay for Pickup on Demand.

Change-of-Address Orders for Department of State Addresses – Update
We revised 507.2.0 and 703.3.0 to authorize Internet Change of Address (ICOA) orders for Department of State personnel when individuals move to, from, or between overseas destinations.

APO, FPO, and DPO Mailpieces Bearing a Customs Declaration—Clarification and Update

We revised 703.2.0 to clarify the correct customs declaration form (PS Form 2976, or PS Form 2976-A) for items addressed to APO, FPO, and DPO locations.

Our next scheduled DMM update is June 7.

PS Form 8125 — Plant-Verified Drop Shipment (PVDS) Verification and Clearance

We have realigned our business mail acceptance processes to be more consistent throughout our vast network. A significant effort was centered on the correct completion of PS Form 8125, Plant-Verified Drop Shipment (PVDS) Verification and Clearance. PS Form 8125 assures that the contents presented at a destination entry office match what was accepted at an origin entry office.

We have thousands of suppliers who bring drop shipments to our facilities, additionally bringing non-postal forms, such as bills of lading, and request a USPS® signature. These non-postal forms are not uniform in content or appearance. It is critical that PS Form 8125 be used as the only documentation evidencing receipt of mail by the Postal Service™ for destination entry drop shipments. It is the only form for destination entry mailings familiar to all mailers and every business mail entry facility.

To maintain nationwide consistency, USPS policy is to accept PS Form 8125 as the only form that postal employees may sign to acknowledge receipt of destination entry shipments. If mailers require a signed receipt, they may submit a second copy of the PS Form 8125, which will be signed by the USPS employee and returned to the driver after the drop shipment has been received. For mailers who use electronic processes such as eVS® where hard copy forms are not required, a separate process will be established.

 As postal employees continue to implement standardized business mail acceptance processes, we appreciate the support of the mailing community. It’s important that mailers and the Postal Service continue to work together and support consistency nationwide.