Customer Support Ruling

Travel Arrangements - Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail

UPDATED January 2017

PS-298 (703.1.6.4)

This CSR discusses the eligibility of a travel arrangement advertisement in a mailing at the Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail prices of postage.

This case study is of a mailpiece, specifically a newsletter, that contained material the accepting post office determined was a restricted “travel arrangement” advertisement.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 703.1.6.4c provides that Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail prices may not be used for the entry of material that advertises, promotes, offers, or, for a fee or consideration, recommends, describes, or announces the availability of any travel arrangement.  Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail prices may be used if the organization promoting the arrangement is authorized to mail at the Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail prices at the entry post office; the travel contributes substantially (aside from the cultivation of members, donors, or supporters, or the acquisition of income or funds) to one or more of the purposes that constitute the basis for the organization’s authorization to mail at the Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail prices; and the arrangement is designed for and primarily promoted to the members, donors, supporters, or beneficiaries of that organization.

The mailpiece meets the content requirements of a periodical and contains a paid advertisement of an “Old Town Tour.”  Advertising is permitted in material that meets the content requirements of a periodical except for restricted or prohibited advertising of a travel arrangement, insurance, or financial instruments such as debit, credit, or charge cards.  Generally, the Postal Service does not consider such an announcement as a “travel arrangement” unless, whether implied or stated, accommodations, transportation, and a destination are included.  The tour is a day-trip that includes transportation and a destination.  Since the arrangement does not include accommodations, it is not considered a travel arrangement.  The mailpiece is eligible for the Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail prices.

(signed)

Sherry Suggs

Manager

Mailing Standards

Headquarters, US Postal Service

Washington, DC  20260-3436