[Federal Register: August 22, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 162)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 48868-48870]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22au06-14]
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POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
New Polywrap Standards for Automation-Rate Flat-Size Mail
AGENCY: Postal Service.TM
ACTION: Proposed rule.
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SUMMARY: The Postal Service proposes to require mailers to use polywrap
film meeting one set of specifications when using polywrap on
automation-rate flat-size mailpieces.
DATES: We must receive your comments on or before September 21, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Mailing
Standards, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Room 3436,
Washington DC 20260-3436. You may inspect and photocopy all written
comments at USPS Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW., 11th
Floor N, Washington DC between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Chatfield, 202-268-7278.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Efficient processing of automation-rate
flat-size mailpieces enables the Postal Service to process the
substantial volume of polywrapped pieces on our equipment without
causing jams, multiple feeds, and missorted mail. Automated flat
[[Page 48869]]
sorting machines (AFSM 100) process the majority of our flat-size mail.
We have moved many of our upgraded flat sorting machines (UFSM 1000)
out of facilities where we use AFSM 100s. To improve our ability to
process polywrapped pieces on our primary flat-mail processing
equipment, we propose that all polywrap films used on automation-rate
flat-size mail meet our revised standards. The new standards would
eliminate the current difference in polywrap specifications for mail
designed for processing on the AFSM 100 and the UFSM 1000.
Background
In 2001, we ran extensive tests of flat-size mailpieces on our AFSM
100 machines. As a result, we added a specification for ``blocking''--
the chemical bonding of films to themselves--to our polywrap
specifications to help prevent polywrapped pieces from sticking
together during processing. But this simple change did not result in a
noticeable improvement in the performance of polywrapped mailpieces.
Therefore, we initiated a test program to more accurately define
the polywrap characteristics best suited to automated processing of
flat-size mail. We performed complete testing on over 100 types of
polywrap submitted by polywrap manufacturers. We then selected 46 films
(polyethylene, polypropylene, and shrinkwrap) to test on the AFSM 100.
We processed 500-piece test decks and collected extensive data to
evaluate performance. Again, blocking was the physical attribute that
most influenced processing compatibility.
As a result of the testing, we propose revised characteristics for
polywrap materials used on automation-rate flat-size mailpieces. We
would remove two characteristics, tensile strength and density, because
they were irrelevant to performance. We also would remove the ``USPS
AFSM 100 Approved Polywrap'' endorsement requirement. We would change
the testing protocol to measure the minimum film-to-metal coefficient
of friction to bring consistency to this characteristic across all
polywrap manufacturers. We would broaden the film-to-film coefficient
of friction, which should help mailers in bundling mailpieces by
minimizing the instability of bundles as they exit their stacking
equipment. While we would not change the blocking specification, we
propose to change the method to measure blocking to more closely match
the environment that mailpieces undergo during normal transportation
and storage.
Polywrap Certification Program
Currently, manufacturers requesting approval of their polywrap
materials for automation-rate flat-size mail provide us with a
certificate stating that their material complies with the polywrap
specifications for AFSM 100 mailpieces. After manufacturers provide
this certificate, we include the manufacturer's material in the list of
approved polywrap for flat-size mailpieces mailed at automation
discount rates.
New Test Procedures
To ensure that all manufacturers use the same criteria in meeting
the new specifications, we have developed specification USPS-T-3204,
``Test Procedures for Automatable Polywrap.'' Manufacturers may obtain
the new test procedures at http://ribbs.usps.gov (click on ``Polywrap
Manufacturers'' in the left frame) or by contacting USPS Engineering
at: Engineering, Flat Mail Technology, U.S. Postal Service, 8403 Lee
Hwy, Merrifield VA 22082-8101.
The specification describes exact test procedures and acceptable
values for polywrap film characteristics. Should the manufacturer not
have the facilities or experience to conduct each of the test
procedures in USPS-T-3204, the specification also provides a list of
testing laboratories that have experience in conducting these tests.
Recertification
Consistent with our current process, manufacturers would provide an
updated certificate of conformance on their letterhead to USPS Mailing
Standards after verifying that each polywrap film meets the new
characteristics. The certificate of conformance must state the values
for each of the six characteristics.
Implementation
We encourage manufacturers to certify their polywrap under the new
specifications as soon as possible. We also encourage mailers to use
polywrap meeting the new specifications on their mailpieces as soon as
practical. Beginning February 4, 2007, all polywrap films used on
automation-rate flat-size mailpieces would have to meet the new
standards.
Although we are exempt from the notice and comment requirements of
the Administrative Procedure Act [5 U.S.C. of 553(b),(c)] regarding
proposed rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), we invite public comments on
the following proposed revisions 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.
Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is proposed to be amended as follows:
PART 111--[AMENDED]
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, 3001-
3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.
2. Amend the following sections of Mailing Standards of the United
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), as explained below:
300 Discount Flats
301 Physical Standards
* * * * *
3.0 Physical Standards for Automation Flats
* * * * *
3.5 Polywrap Coverings
3.5.1 Polywrap Films
[Revise 3.5.1 by changing the introduction and removing items a and b
to eliminate the distinction between polywrap used on pieces qualifying
for AFSM 100 and UFSM 1000, as follows:]
Polywrapped flat-size mailpieces claimed at automation rates must
meet the standards in 3.5. Film approved for use under 3.5.4 and 3.5.5
must meet the specifications in Exhibit 3.5.1. If mailers affix the
address label to the outside of the polywrap, the film does not have to
meet the haze property.
Exhibit 3.5.1 Polywrap Specifications
[Revise Exhibit 3.5.1 by changing the introduction, eliminating the
distinction between AFSM 100 and UFSM 1000 pieces, removing current
properties 4 and 5 and renumbering properties 6 through 8 as properties
4 through 6, changing the specification and testing methods for
coefficients of friction, revising the comments for ``blocking,'' and
specifying testing methods according to USPS specification T-3204, as
follows:]
Effective February 4, 2007, mailers who polywrap automation-rate
flats must use polywrap that meets all of the properties in this
exhibit.
[[Page 48870]]
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Test methods in USPS T-
Property Requirement 3204 Comment
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1. Kinetic Coefficient of Friction,
MD.
a. Film on Stainless Steel with No. 8 < 0.45.................. USPS-T-3204 Section
(Mirror) Finish. 4.5.2.
b. Film on Film...................... 0.20 to 0.55........... USPS-T-3204 Section
4.5.1.
* * * * * * *
6. Blocking.......................... < 15 g.................. USPS-T-3204 Section To be conducted at 140
4.5.6. degrees Fahrenheit.
* * * * * * *
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[Delete 3.5.4 to remove the requirement for markings on polywrap.]
[Renumber current 3.5.5 as new 3.5.4 and revise the title and text to
require polywrap meeting new standards as of February 4, 2007, as
follows:]
3.5.4 Polywrap on Mailpieces
Effective February 4, 2007, mailers claiming automation flat rates
for polywrapped pieces must use polywrap that meets the new
specifications in 3.5.1 and is on the new USPS list of approved
materials. Only products listed on the USPS ``RIBBS'' Web site (http://ribbs.usps.gov
) may be used on automation-rate flats.
[Add new 3.5.5 to specify the certification process for polywrap
manufacturers, as follows:]
3.5.5 Polywrap Certification Process for Manufacturers
To ensure that all polywrap manufacturers use the same criteria in
meeting the new specifications, the Postal Service developed
specification USPS-T-3204, ``Test Procedures for Automatable
Polywrap.'' This specification describes exact test procedures and
acceptable values for polywrap film characteristics. Should the
polywrap manufacturer not have the facilities or experience to conduct
each of the test procedures in USPS-T-3204, the specification includes
a list of independent testing laboratories that have experience in
conducting these tests. Customers may obtain the new test procedures by
contacting USPS Engineering (see 608.8.1 for address). Effective
February 4, 2007, manufacturers must submit a letter, on their
letterhead, for each polywrap film indicating compliance with each of
the specifications in 3.5.1 and the value for each specification, to
USPS Mailing Standards (see 608.8.1 for address). Manufacturers are
encouraged to submit the certificate of conformance prior to February
4, 2007. Upon receipt of the certificate of conformance, USPS will list
the polywrap film on http://ribbs.usps.gov. Manufacturers should follow
this process before submitting the letter certifying compliance with
the specifications:
a. Test each film according to procedures listed in USPS-T-3204,
``Test Procedures for Automatable Polywrap Film.''
b. Test each film gauge and surface treatment separately.
* * * * *
We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR Part 111 if our
proposal is adopted.
Neva R. Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.
[FR Doc. E6-13802 Filed 8-21-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P