May 26, 2006

New Preparation for Periodicals Flats in Mixed ADC Bundles and Sacks

We published a final rule in today’s Federal Register to change the requirements for Periodicals mail prepared in mixed area distribution center (ADC) bundles and sacks. Beginning July 6, 2006, the optional mixed ADC separation becomes mandatory. The new standards allow a portion of Periodicals mail to be processed with First-Class Mail and travel on the surface transportation network, improving service without increasing our processing costs.

Mailers continue to have the option to place Automated Flat Sorting Machine (AFSM) 100–compatible mailpieces in ADC and mixed ADC flats trays with lids instead of in ADC and mixed ADC sacks. We published an article on this option in the November/December 2005 Mailers Companion.

New Sacks for Presorted Mailings

We are in the process of replacing mailing sacks with two new semi-clear plastic sacks (USPS items EIRS 01VM and EIRS 03VM). The new sacks are made of recyclable plastic and will eventually replace all sacks used by mailers for presorted mailings.

These semi-clear sacks use a Velcro strap to secure the contents and have a 2-inch label holder on the body of the sack. As a result of the new sack design, mailers now may use 2-inch labels with sacks that contain 2-inch label holders. The use of 2-inch labels in these new sacks is important to ensure that the label does not fall out during transportation and processing.

We published several articles about the new sacks and the related label changes in the May 11, 2006, Postal Bulletin. We encourage mailers to work closely with their local Post Office, Business Mail Entry Office, or Business Service Network as we transition to the new sacks.