July 6, 2010

July DMM 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:

Plant-Verified Drop Shipment (PVDS)—Nonpostal Documentation
We revised 705.15.2.14 which clarifies the use and purpose of PS Form 8125, Plant-Verified Drop Shipment (PVDS) Verification and Clearance, as well as other documents that mailers' nonpostal transportation providers (carriers) may present at the time of induction.

Revenue Deficiency
We revised 604.10.0 and 608.8.0 to incorporate the new Headquarters manager, Revenue Assessment and Control (MRAC) into the assessment and appeal procedures governing shortages in fees or postage.

Business Reply Mail Online Application Option
We revised 507.9.3.2 and 507.9.5.2 to eliminate the option to obtain a Business Reply Mail® (BRM) permit online. Additionally, the electronic version of PS Form 6805, Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM) Application, will also be removed.

Restricting the Mailing of Replica or Inert Explosive Devices
601.12.5 was added to implement a new standard restricting the mailing of replica or inert explosive devices, such as simulated grenades that are not dangerous but bear a realistic appearance to explosive devices, by Registered Mail™ service only.

Deposit of Stamped Mail Over 13 Ounces sent to APO, FPO, and DPO Destinations—Clarification and Update
We deleted 703.2.1.7 and revised 703.2.3 to clarify the deposit of items bearing only postage stamps sent to APO, FPO, and DPO destinations.

2010 Standard Mail Incentive Program (aka 2010 Summer Sale)
We revised 709.2.0, applicable to the Standard Mail® Volume Incentive Program that ended on September 30, 2009, with new standards describing the 2010 Standard Mail Incentive Program.

Treatment of Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco as Nonmailable Matter
We revised 503.6.0, 601.11.0, and 608.8.0 to describe new standards pertaining to the mailing of tobacco, cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.

Our next scheduled DMM update is August 2.