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.

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.

Eligibility for Commercial Flats Failing Deflection

Today we posted an advance copy of our Federal Register final rule, Eligibility for Commercial Flats Failing Deflection, on the Postal Explorer® website at pe.usps.com. Click on Federal Register Notices in the left frame.

The final rule, effective June 7, 2010, provides background, summary of the comments received on our prior proposal, our response to the comments, a summary of the changes, and revisions to the applicable prices for pieces that do not meet the deflection standards.