[Federal Register: March 15, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 50)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 13268-13269]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15mr06-7]
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POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
New Marking Requirement for Bound Printed Matter Machinable
Parcels
AGENCY: Postal Service.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This final rule adopts a new marking requirement for Bound
Printed Matter (BPM) machinable parcels consisting of multiple pieces
secured with transparent shrinkwrap. The new marking will enable our
automated equipment to recognize that these BPM machinable parcels are
intended for a single address. Under the new standards, mailers must
use a firm optional endorsement line or apply a pressure-sensitive firm
Label F. The new standards do not apply to BPM flats or irregular
parcels.
DATES: Effective Date: July 6, 2006.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joel Walker, 202-268-7266.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The Postal Service published a proposal in the Federal Register on
December 27, 2005 (70 FR 76435), to require a firm optional endorsement
line or a pressure-sensitive firm Label F on Bound Printed Matter
machinable parcels consisting of multiple pieces secured with
transparent shrinkwrap.
Summary of Comments
We received two comments on the proposal, both from commercial
mailers. Neither mailer opposed our proposal.
One mailer suggested we clarify that the new marking requirement
does not apply to all Bound Printed Matter (BPM) parcels. The new firm
optional endorsement line (OEL) or pressure-sensitive label F
requirement applies only to BPM machinable parcels consisting of
multiple pieces secured with transparent shrinkwrap. A BPM parcel
prepared with a cardboard box, for example, does not require a firm OEL
or Label F.
The other mailer recommended the requirement include Standard Mail
machinable parcels consisting of multiple pieces secured with
transparent shrinkwrap. We believe the volume of Standard Mail parcels
with these characteristics is so low that it does not warrant a new
marking requirement. Therefore, we will not extend the change to
Standard Mail.
We also received an informal request about the proposal via e-mail.
The request asked whether the new standards will allow, as an option,
the use of the firm OEL on a BPM parcel consisting of a single phone
book enclosed in transparent shrinkwrap. While not required, mailers
may use a firm OEL on BPM parcels consisting of a single piece, since
in some cases the OEL can assist with the automated processing of
single pieces in transparent shrinkwrap.
Several customers have asked us if they may label according to the
new standards immediately. The effective date of these changes is July
6, 2006, but mailers are encouraged to comply as soon as possible.
Summary of Changes
When a BPM machinable parcel consists of multiple pieces for a
single address secured with transparent shrinkwrap, mailers must label
the parcel using one of the following options:
[[Page 13269]]
A firm optional endorsement line, followed by the 5-digit
destination ZIP Code of the parcel.
A blue, pressure-sensitive, barcoded Label F on the
address side of the parcel.
We provide the new standards, and how they are applied for Bound
Printed Matter, below.
We adopt the following amendments to Mailing Standards of the
United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), incorporated
by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR 111.1.
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111
Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.
0
Accordingly, 39 CFR Part 111 is amended as follows:
PART 111--[AMENDED]
0
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 414,
3001-3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.
0
2. Revise the following sections of Mailing Standards of the United
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), as follows:
400 Discount Mail Parcels
* * * * *
402 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece
* * * * *
2.0 PLACEMENT AND CONTENT OF MARKINGS
* * * * *
2.2 Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, and Library Mail
Markings
* * * * *
[Renumber 2.2.5 and 2.2.6 as 2.2.6 and 2.2.7. Add new 2.2.5, as
follows:]
2.2.5 Address and Firm Designation on Bound Printed Matter Machinable
Parcels
When a Bound Printed Matter machinable parcel consists of multiple
pieces for a single address secured with transparent shrinkwrap, the
delivery address information and barcoded pressure-sensitive Label F or
firm optional endorsement line must be visible and readable by the
naked eye. Mailers must label the parcel using one of the following
options:
a. A firm optional endorsement line under 708.7.0, followed by the
5-digit destination ZIP Code of the parcel.
b. A blue, pressure-sensitive, barcoded Label F on the address side
of the parcel.
* * * * *
700 Special Standards
* * * * *
708 Technical Specifications
* * * * *
7.0 OPTIONAL ENDORSEMENT LINES (OELs)
* * * * *
7.1 OEL Use
* * * * *
Exhibit 7.1.1 OEL Formats
[Revise Exhibit 7.1.1 by adding an OEL example for BPM parcels, as
follows:]
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Sortation level OEL Example
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Firm--BPM machinable parcels ******** Firm 12345.
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* * * * *
Neva R. Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 06-2454 Filed 3-14-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P