February 1, 2007

 

February DMM Update

 

Postal Explorer (pe.usps.com) always provides the most up-to-date version of the DMM. It’s fully searchable and easy to navigate using the fly-out menus, cross-reference links, and subject index. Today we updated our mailing standards to capture the following changes:

 

Polywrap Standards for Automation-Rate Flat-Size Mail
We revised 301.3.5 to change the standards for polywrap film used on automation-rate flat-size mailpieces and eliminate the difference in specifications for polywrap designed for processing on the AFSM 100 and for the UFSM 1000. Customers must meet only one set of standards, instead of the previous two.

Express Mail Open and Distribute and Priority Mail Open and Distribute
We revised 705.16.0 to add two new mailing options, Express Mail Open and Distribute and Priority Mail Open and Distribute, which replace Express Mail and Priority Mail drop shipment. These new options provide alternatives to mailer-transported drop shipments for mailers who want to expedite mailings to destination postal facilities.

FIMs on Reusable Envelopes
We provided an option in 601.6.5 to place a facing identification mark (FIM) on the address side of envelopes that are designed as reusable mailpieces. This change allows more flexibility for mailers to print, distribute, and mail reusable envelopes.

First-Class Mail Automation Flats
Mailers have a new option in 335.3.0 to prepare tray-based mailings of First-Class Mail automation flats in extended managed mail (EMM) letter trays.

Low-Cost Items
We adjusted the maximum value of a low-cost item mailable at Nonprofit Standard Mail rates from $8.60 to $8.90 in 703.1.6.11.

ZIP Code Ranges for Drop Shipment Eligibility
We revised DBMC rate eligibility exhibits in 246, 346, 366, 446, and 466 to add ZIP Code ranges 552, 632, and 663.

 

Our next DMM update is scheduled for February 15 to capture recent changes to the labeling lists.

 

Pricing Proposal Update

Plant-Verified Drop Shipment Procedure for New Rates

 

We’ve been asked about our rate implementation plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS) procedures. The procedures are the same as those used in the past, and are as follows:

 

Current Rates

PVDS mailings verified and paid for before the implementation date, using the current rates, will be accepted at destination entry postal facilities up to 15 days after the implementation date, when presented with appropriate verification and payment documentation.

 

New Rates

PVDS mailings may be verified and paid for beginning 30 days prior to the implementation of the new rates, using the new rates, provided the shipments are not deposited at destination entry postal facilities until the implementation date of the new rates, or later, when presented with appropriate verification and payment documentation.