Domestic Mail Manual: Automated flats; new specifications,

[Federal Register: August 26, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 165)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 45440-45443]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr26au98-28]

POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111

New Specifications for Automated Flats

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Proposed Rule.

SUMMARY: The flat sorting machine (FSM) 1000 is capable of processing mailpieces that cannot be processed on the FSM 881. FSM 1000 machines are being retrofitted with barcode readers. Mailpieces that currently do not qualify for automation flat rates will be eligible for the automation flat rates if their pieces meet the size and other criteria for processing on the FSM 1000 as described below, are prepared with correct ZIP+4 or delivery point barcodes, and meet other preparation requirements.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 16, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Mail Preparation and Standards, USPS Headquarters, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 6800, Washington DC 20260-2405.

Copies of all written comments will be available for inspection and photocopying at USPS Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor N, Washington, DC between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen A. Magazino, (202) 268-3854.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 4, 1998, the USPS plans to extend the automation flats rates to pieces prepared as automated flats that meet the physical mailpiece requirements for the FSM 1000 flat sorting machine.

Deployment of 340 FSM 1000s is near completion in major processing and distribution centers nationwide. Barcode reader deployment for the FSM 1000s will be completed by February 1999. Newspapers, tabloids, heavier magazines, catalogs, and many kinds of polywrap that cannot be processed on existing FSM 881 equipment can be processed on FSM 1000 equipment and will now be able to qualify for automation discounts. Newspapers and tabloids must have two folds; the second fold must be perpendicular to the original fold.

Testing has shown that larger pieces can be processed on FSM 1000 machines. Separate size, weight, and thickness dimensions for mail that can be processed on the FSM 1000 will be added to the eligibility criteria for automation flat rates in Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) C820. The FSM 1000 can process a piece up to 12 inches high by 15\3/4\ inches in length. For the FSM 1000, the length is the longest edge except that for pieces that are folded or have a bound edge, the dimension parallel to the folded or bound edge is the length. (This is different than the definitions of length and height for mailpieces processed on FSM 881s, for which the dimension parallel to the folded or bound edge is the height.) The dimensions for folded pieces or pieces with a bound edge processed on the FSM 1000 increase 3\3/4\ inches in length (i.e., the bound edge) but decrease 3 inches in height (i.e., the edge perpendicular to the bound edge). The minimum dimensions for all flats processed on the FSM 1000 is 4 inches height by 4 inches length provided the mailpiece is thicker than \1/4\ inch. Mailpieces up to 5 inches in length must be at least \1/4\ inch thick. The minimum thickness for pieces 5 inches or more in length is 0.009 inch thick.

Testing of flat mailpieces demonstrated that as the length of the piece decreases the thickness may increase. The maximum thickness requirements for the FSM 1000 mail are 1.25 inches if the mailpiece is 13 inches long or less. Flats longer than 13 inches up to 15\3/4\ inches cannot exceed \7/8\ inch thick. Test results showed that pieces within these dimensions meet the flexibility criteria for the FSM 1000; therefore, specifications for FSM 1000 pieces do not contain separate flexibility rules.

The maximum weight for First-Class mail pieces processed on the FSM 1000 will be 11 ounces (13 ounces after rate case implementation, January 10, 1999), up to 16 ounces for Standard Mail A, and 6 pounds for Periodicals.

For pieces processed on the FSM 1000 the correct and properly prepared POSTNET barcode must be placed at least \1/8\ inch from any edge of the mailpiece however, since there has been a demonstrated ``slump'' on certain mailpieces we strongly recommend at least 2 inches from the dimension that is the length (the longest edge or, if bound or folded, the bound or folded edge).

For pieces processed on the FSM 1000 barcode requirements found in C840.4.0, C840.5.0 and C840.6.0 still apply.

Pieces to be processed on the FSM 1000 may be prepared with polywrap under the guidelines specified in Postal Bulletin 21940 (2-27- 97), except that only physical property number 2, haze, will be required for pieces to be processed on the FSM 1000. Pieces prepared with FSM 1000 approved polywrap must bear a separate marking from pieces prepared with FSM 881 approved polywrap to indicate the flat sorting machine for which the polywrap was approved. Mailers will be given a 6 month grace period to begin using the new polywrap markings that specify whether it is FSM 881 approved or FSM 1000 approved.

Although the Postal Service is extending the discount to pieces that can be processed on FSM 1000 equipment, it does not wish to encourage mailers to prepare pieces in a manner that would cause them to migrate from the more productive FSM 881 machines to processing on the FSM 1000 machines. In addition to productivity concerns, a large migration could also cause equipment capacity problems. Therefore, the Postal Service is proposing that in order to qualify for the automation flats rates, mailpieces that meet the current automation flat

[[Page 45441]]

height, length, thickness, and weight dimensions applicable to the FSM 881 machines under DMM C820.2.0 must continue to meet the current specifications for turning ability and deflection (current DMM C820.5.0, proposed DMM C820.6.0), and if prepared with polywrap, continue to meet all the polywrap criteria in Postal Bulletin 21940 (2- 27-97) including physical properties 1 through 7.

When presorting mail for the automation flat-size rates, pieces meeting the FSM 881 dimensions must be prepared in separate packages from pieces that meet the FSM 1000 dimensions. When preparing packages of pieces meeting the dimensions for the FSM 881, mailers may combine pieces of non-identical weights provided appropriate postage payment methods are used. Likewise, within a package of pieces meeting the dimensions for the FSM 1000, mailers may combine pieces of non- identical weights provided appropriate postage payment methods are used. Separate package minimums must be met for each type of package (i.e., 10 pieces per package for First-Class and Standard Mail (A) and 6 pieces per package for Periodicals). This will allow packages of mail to be sorted to the appropriate flats processing equipment at sack or tray opening units and at pallet breakdown operations. Both types of automation flats packages (FSM 881 and FSM 1000 packages) may be placed in the same tray (First-Class) or in the same sack (Periodicals and Standard Mail (A)). For Periodicals and Standard Mail (A) both types of automation flats packages (FSM 881 and FSM 1000 packages) may be placed on the same pallet.

In addition, for Periodicals sacked mail, FSM 881 and FSM 1000 packages may be combined with nonautomation packages in 3-digit, SCF, ADC, and mixed ADC sacks and/or pallets. Periodicals automation flats packages must be placed in separate 5-digit sacks from Periodicals nonautomation packages. First-Class and Standard Mail (A) mailings, automation rate mail must continue to be separately trayed (First- Class) or sacked (Standard Mail (A)) or palletized from nonautomation rate mail.

Although exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 401(a), the Postal Service invites comments on the following proposed revisions of the Domestic Mail Manual, incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR Part 111.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

Postal Service.

PART 111--[AMENDED]

1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as follows:

   Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 3001- 3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.

2. Amend the Domestic Mail Manual as set forth below:

   C CHARACTERISTICS AND CONTENT

   C800 Automation-Compatible Mail

   * * * * *

   C820 Flats

   [Amend 1.0 by changing the term ``7.0'' to ``8.0'' and adding additional standards for FSM 881 and FSM 1000 pieces to read as follows:]

   1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

   Flats claimed at automation rates must meet the standards in 1.0 through 8.0 and the general and specific standards for mailability and the class of mail and rate claimed. Pieces meeting the dimensions for FSM 881 processing under 2.0 (height, length, thickness and weight) must also meet the turning ability and deflection requirements in 6.0 in order to qualify for the automation flats discount. If polywrap is used with pieces meeting the dimensions under 2.0, the polywrap must meet all of the physical properties in Exhibit 4.1a in order to qualify for the automation flats discount. Pieces that do not meet the dimensions for height, length, thickness and weight under 2.0 (FSM 881 pieces), but that meet the dimensions in 3.0 are designated as FSM 1000 pieces. Such FSM 1000 pieces need not meet the turning ability and deflection requirements in 6.0 and, if prepared with polywrap, the polywrap must only meet physical property number 2 in Exhibit 4.1a.

   [Amend the heading of 2.0 to read as follows.]

   2.0 DIMENSIONS FOR FSM 881 PROCESSING * * * * *

   [Delete the second sentence of section 2.3 b(2).]

   * * * * *

   [Redesignate 3.0 through 7.0 as 5.0 through 9.0, respectively. Insert new 3.0 and 4.0 to read as follows.]

   3.0 DIMENSIONS FOR FSM 1000 PROCESSING

   3.1 Determining Length and Height

   The length and height of an automation compatible flat-size mailpiece is not determined by the orientation of the address. Instead, for this standard:

   1. For a piece prepared as a single sheet or in an envelope, full length wrapper, or full-length sleeve, the length is the longest dimension. The height is the dimension perpendicular to the length.

   2. For a piece that has a bound or folded edge ( e.g., a newspaper, tabloid, heavier magazine and catalog), the length is the dimension parallel to the bound or folded edge. The height is the dimension perpendicular to the length. If the piece is folded more than once or bound and then folded, the length of the mailpiece is based on the final fold.

      3.2 Final Fold

      A flat-size piece with a final fold must be designed so that the address is in view when the final folded edge is to the right and any intermediate bound or folded edge is at the bottom.

      3.3 Shape and Size

      Pieces must meet the following requirements:

   1. Height: no more than 12 inches or less than 4 inches high.

   2. Length: no more than 15\3/4\ inches or less than 4 inches long.

   3. Minimum Thickness:

      (1) Pieces at least 5 inches long, 0.009 inch thick.

      (2) Pieces at least 4 inches long, but less than 5 inches long, 0.25 inch thick.

   4. Maximum thickness:

      (1) Pieces 13 inches long or less, the maximum thickness is 1.25 inches thick.

      (2) Pieces longer than 13 inches up to and including 15\3/4\ inches the maximum thickness is \7/8\ inch thick.

      3.4 Maximum Weight

      Maximum weight limits are as follows:

   1. For First-Class Mail, 11 ounces (13 ounces as of January 10, 1999).

   2. For Periodicals, 6 pounds.

   3. For Standard Mail (A), less than 16 ounces. 4.0 COVERINGS

      4.1 Polywrap Films

      The Postal Service will allow plastic manufacturers to use the results of their American Standard Testing Methods (ASTM) product tests to certify that the polywrap films meet or exceed the minimum requirements for the physical properties outlined in Exhibit 4.1a and Exhibit 4.1b

      [[Page 45442]]

      USPS Polywrapped Flats Mailing Specifications for FSM 881

      Exhibit 4.1a--Physical Properties

      Automation flat pieces that meet the height, length, thickness, and weight dimensions for the FSM 881 in 2.0 must meet all seven properties on this table. Automation flat pieces that do not meet the height, length, thickness, or weight dimensions in 2.0, but meet the dimensions for the FSM 1000 in 3.0, may be prepared with polywrap that only meets property number 2, haze.

      Property

      Requirement

      Test method

      Comment

1. Kinetic Coefficient of Friction, ‹0.28.................... ASTM

   Stainless steel finish MD.

   D1894

   must be in accordance with ASTM A 480/A 480M.

   1. Film on Stainless Steel with No.

      8 (Mirror) Finish

   2. Film on Film...................... 0.20 to 0.40............. ASTM

      D1894

2. Haze.............................. ‹70...................... ASTM

   Address labels are an D1003

   alternative to meeting this requirement. 3. Secant Modulus, 1% elongation a. ›40,000.................. ASTM

   TD, psi.

   D882

   2. MD, psi........................... ›50,000.................. ASTM

   D882

4. Tensile Strength TD, psi.......... ›2,000................... ASTM

   D882

   MD, psi.............................. ›3,000................... ASTM

   D882

5. Density, g/cc..................... 0.900 to 0.950........... ASTM

   D1505

6. Nominal Gauge, in................. ›0.001................... ASTM

   D374

7. Static Charge, kv................. ‹2.0..................... ASTM

   Antistatic additives D4470

   can regulate this charge.

   Exhibit 4.1b--Configuration Requirement Wrap Instruction

1. The polywrapped flat shall be machinable according to USPS-STD- 28A and as outlined in DMM 53 section C820 Flats. Shrink wrapped mailpieces shall be approved if they conform to the machinable flat requirements according to USPS-STD-28A and as outlined in DMM53 section C820 Flats.

2. Wrap direction shall be specified as around the shorter axis of the mailpiece so that the seam is along the addressed side of the mailpiece, oriented from top to bottom. This seam must not cover any part of the address and barcode read areas.

3. Overhang of not more than 1.5 inches of polywrap shall be allowed at the top of the mailpiece when the contents are shaken down to the bottom of the package. Overhang on the sides shall not be more than 0.25 inch, however, the piece shall not be wrapped so tightly as to deform the product.

   4.2 Polywrap Certification Process

   The polywrap certification program requires plastic manufacturers to obtain and provide an official certification of conformance from ASTM that their polywrap material meets the USPS Polywrap Flats Mailing Specifications described in Exhibit 4.1a and Exhibit 4.1b. Prior to their initial mailing, mailers must submit for evaluation barcoded sample pieces that meet both applicable DMM mailing standards for automated flats and the minimum standards for polywrapped flats. Mailpiece design analysts (MDAs) must authorize a mailer to claim the automation rates for flats for any flat-size barcoded piece prepared in a polywrap film that has been independently certified if the prepared mailpiece meets all other mail preparation standards for polywrapped flats such as overhang, seam, static and barcode readability. Local Business Mail Entry Units are to notify the MDA of any barcoded, polywrapped mailing submitted, claiming automation rates for flats that does not meet the wrapping requirements for polywrapped pieces.

   4.3 Submission of Samples for Evaluation

   A mailer who wishes to have sample pieces reviewed for authorization must submit samples to the Manager, business Mail Entry for review by an MDA. Each sample submitted must consist of at least 30 polywrapped barcoded sample mailpieces with a Certification of Compliance that the polywrap material meets the physical property specifications in Table 1 and Table 2, for the FSM 881 mailpieces and the FSM 1000 mailpieces.

   4.4 Mailpiece Identification

   Once approved for entry at the automation rates for flats, a mailing must be endorsed to show that it is an automation-compatible polywrapped flat-size piece. The mailer may meet this requirement by adding ``USPS (company name of vendor) FSM 881 Approved Automatable Polywrap'' or ``USPS (company name of vendor) FSM 1000 Approved Automatable Polywrap,'' as applicable, on the address side of the piece, preferably below the postage area or in another visible location on the outside of the mailpiece. The polywrap endorsement may also be printed directly on the polywrap material. Other locations for the endorsement and abbreviation for the company name are acceptable if approved by the MDA. Mailer's not currently using the appropriate mailpiece identification marking will have until April 4, 1999, to comply.

   4.5 Suspension of Approval

   Any mailing found to be improperly prepared will not be accepted at the automation rates for flats. The repeated submission of non- machinable mailings is cause for exclusion from the polywrap flat automation rates.

   [Delete renumbered 5.1. Renumber 5.2 and 5.3 as 5.1 and 5.2.]

   * * * * * 6.0 TABS, WAFER SEALS, TAPE, AND GLUE

   [Amend the first sentence in renumbered 5.0 to clarify that tabs,

   [[Page 45443]]

   seals, tape and glue are not required, to read as follows.]

   Although not required, mailpieces may be prepared with tabs, wafer seals, cellophane tape, or permanent glue (continuous or spot) if these sealing devices do not interfere with the recognition of the barcode, rate marking, postage information, and delivery and return addresses. 7.0 TURNING ABILITY AND DEFLECTION

   7.1 Turning Ability

   [Amend renumbered 6.1 by adding ``881'' to read as follows:]

   A flat-size mailpiece meeting the FSM 881 dimensions in 2.0 must fit between two concentric arcs drawn on a horizontal flat surface, one with a radius of 15.72 inches and the other with a radius of 16.72 inches in one of these ways:

   7.2 Deflection

   [Renumber Exhibit 5.2 as Exhibit 6.2; amend renumbered 6.2 by adding ``881'' to read as follows:]

   A flat-size mailpiece meeting the FSM 881 dimensions in 2.0 must be rigid enough so that, when placed flat on a surface to extend unsupported 5 inches off that surface, no part of the edge of the piece that is opposite the bound, folded, or final folded edge (as applicable) deflects more than 1\3/4\ inches (if the piece is less than \1/8\ inch thick) or more than 2\3/8\ inches (if the piece is from \1/ 8\ to \3/4\ inch thick). See Exhibit 6.2. * * * * *

   C840 Barcoding Standards

   * * * * * 3.0 BARCODE LOCATION--FLAT-SIZE PIECE

   [Revise 3.0 to read as follows:]

   On any flat-size piece claimed at an automation rate the barcode may be anywhere on the address side that is at least \1/8\ inch from any edge of the piece. For FSM 1000 pieces, is it preferred that the barcode be placed at least 2 inches from the dimension that is the length for that type of automation piece (the longest edge, or for pieces with a folded or bound edge, the folded or bound edge). That portion of the surface of the piece on which the barcode is printed must meet the reflectance standards in 5.0. The address side may bear only one POSTNET-format barcode (i.e., the correct barcode for the delivery address on the mailpiece). Other mailer-applied non-POSTNET barcodes may appear on the address side if their format is not intelligible or not confusing to automated postal equipment. Address block barcodes are subject to the standards in 2.5a through 2.5e. * * * * *

   M820 Flat-Size Mail

   1.0 BASIC STANDARDS * * * * *

   [Revise the second sentence of 1.5 to read as follows:]

   1.5 Package Preparation

   All pieces must be prepared in packages. Firm packages must not be included in mailings prepared under M820. Pieces meeting the size dimensions for the FSM 881 under C820.2.0 must be prepared in separate packages from pieces that do not meet the FSM 881 dimensions (but that meet the dimensions for FSM 1000 processing). Each FSM 881 package and each FSM 1000 package must separately meet the package size minimum number of pieces in 2.1, 3.1, or 4.1 as applicable for the class of mail. When the total number of FSM 881 or FSM 1000 pieces for a specific presort destination (e.g., the 5-digit ZIP Code 12345) meets or exceeds the applicable minimum package size, the pieces for that presort destination must be banded into a package or packages labeled to that presort destination in accordance with the standards for the rate claimed. The physical size of each package for that specific presort destination may contain the exact package minimum, more pieces than the package minimum, or fewer pieces than the package minimum depending on the size of the pieces in the mailing or the total quantity of the pieces to that destination. Rate eligibility is not affected when a physical package for a presort destination contains fewer pieces than the minimum package size for the above reasons, provided the total number of FSM 881 pieces physically packaged for that presort destination, or provided the total number of FSM 1000 pieces physically packaged for that presort destination, meets or exceeds the rate eligibility package minimum under E140, E240, or E640.

   [Renumber 1.6 and 1.7 as 1.7 and 1.8, respectively, and insert new 1.6 to read as follows.]

   1.6 Sack Preparation

   Mailers may combine FSM 881 packages and FSM 1000 packages in the same tray (First-Class Mail) or in the same sack (Standard Mail (A) and Periodicals). * * * * *

   [Amend the heading of renumbered 1.8 to read ``Exception--Periodicals Packages.'']

   [Insert new 1.9 to read as follows.]

   1.9 Exception--Periodicals Automation and Nonautomation

   For Periodicals, packages of automation mail (both FSM 881 and FSM 1000 packages) prepared under 3.1 and packages of nonautomation mail prepared under M200.2.4 c-f may be sacked together under 3.2 d-e and 3.3. Automation and nonautomation packages may not be combined in 5- digit sacks. Under this exception, documentation required under P012 must identify the mail claimed at each rate by package and sack sortation level. Under this exception, nonautomation mail continues to qualify for rates under E230 and automation mail continues to qualify for rates under E 240 (i.e., rates for pieces in automation flats packages are based on the package level and rates for pieces in nonautomation flats packages are based on the package and sack level). * * * * *

   An appropriate amendment to 39 CFR 111.3 to reflect these changes will be published if the proposal is adopted.

   Stanley F. Mires,

   Chief Counsel, Legislative.

   [FR Doc. 98-22937Filed8-25-98; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 7710-12-P