September 30, 2005

New Preparation Requirements for Bundles of Mail on Pallets

We are seeking comments on a proposal in today’s Federal Register that would affect mailers who prepare bundles of Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Package Services flat-size mail or irregular parcels on pallets. This proposal would increase the volume of mail on pallets by revising the standards for required preparation.  

Under this proposal, if there are 250 or more pounds of bundles remaining to an area distribution center (ADC) or a bulk mail center/auxiliary service facility (BMC/ASF), mailers must prepare a pallet instead of sacks.

We are proposing an effective date of March 1, 2006, for the revised standards.