October 5, 2009

October DMM Update

Postal Explorer (pe.usps.com) is your source for the latest 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. We updated our standards with the following changes:

Permit Imprint Postage Payment Allowed for Express Mail in the Electronic Verification System (eVS)
We revised 414.1.0, 604.5.0, and 705.2.0 to allow Express Mail postage payment via permit imprint for commercial manifest mailers participating in the Electronic Verification System (eVS) program.

Removal of Reference to the 5-Digit Metro Pallet
We revised 246.4.1, 345.1.0, 346.4.1, 365.1.0, 366.5.0, 446.4.1, 705.8.0, 705.10.0, through 705.13.0, 707.2.1.9, 707.18.0, 707.22.4, 707.23.6, 707.25.1.8, 707.29.4.1, and 708.1.4 to remove references to the 5-digit metro pallet level for Standard Mail, Periodicals and Package Services.

Updates to Express Mail and Priority Mail Commercial Base Price Requirements for Information-Based Indicia Postage Meters

We revised 413.1.3, 414.1.1, 423.1.2, and 424.1.1.1 to offer an alternative solution to the requirements for mailers using Information-Based Indicia (IBI) postage meters to pay Express Mail and Priority Mail commercial base prices.

Clarification of Standards for the Optional Palletization of First-Class Mail
We revised 705.8.10.1 to clarify that all mixed AADC and mixed area distribution center (ADC) trays should be placed on the origin SCF pallet. Origin mixed ADC surface and mixed ADC air pallet levels, prepared under the optional pallet standards for First-Class Mail, should contain only ADC or finer presort level trays.

First-Class Mail Incentive Program
We added 709.3.0 to implement a volume incentive program for qualified mailers of commercial (automation and/or Presort) First-Class Mail cards, letters and/or flats, for volume mailed during the program period, above their USPS-determined threshold level.

New Polywrap Standards for Commercial Flat-Size Mail
We revised 301.1.0 and 301.3.0 to adopt new polywrap standards for commercial flat-size mail. Formerly applicable only to automation flats, the standards now apply to all flat-size mailpieces using polywrap, except saturation and high-density Periodicals or Standard Mail flats.

New Optional Design for Small Letter-Sized Booklets

We revised 201.3.15.4 to add a two-tab sealing option for smaller, simple spine "wallet-style" booklets mailed at automation and machinable letter prices.

Labeling List Changes
We revised Labeling List(s) L001, L004, L006, L007, L201, L601, L602, L605, and L606 to reflect changes in mail processing operations.