Parcel Return Service—Clarifications

We revised 507.13.0 to clarify standards regarding Parcel Return Service (PRS).

2010 Standard Mail Incentive Program Removal

We revised 709 by removing section 2.0, Standard Mail Incentive Program.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.