This sack consolidates carrier route, automation, and presorted bundles formerly prepared in merged 5digit sacks containing fewer than 24 pieces.

New 24Piece Minimum

In addition to the two new types of sacks, we can reduce costs by requiring a minimum of 24 pieces in:

The proposed standards and how they are applied for different mail preparation options for Periodicals are provided below. We are proposing to make these changes on March 1, 2006.

Although exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C 410(a)), the Postal Service invites comments on the following proposed revisions to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR part 111.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

Administrative practice and procedure, 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, 414, 30013011, 32013219, 34033406, 3621, 3626, 5001.

2. Revise the following sections of Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), as follows: 700 Special Standards
* * * * *
705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems * * * * *
9.0 Preparation for Cotraying and Cosacking Bundles of Automation and Presorted Flats
* * * * *
[Revise title in 9.2.4 to read as follows:]
9.2.4 Bundles With Fewer Than Six Pieces (``LowVolume'' Bundles) [Revise 9.2.4 by adding a reference to 24 pieces to read as follows:]

5digit and 3digit bundles prepared under 707.22.0 and 707.25.0 or under 9.2.3 may contain fewer than six pieces when the publisher determines that such preparation improves service. These ``lowvolume'' bundles may be placed in 5digit, 3digit, and SCF sacks that contain at least 24 pieces or on 5digit, 3digit, or SCF pallets. Pieces in lowvolume bundles must claim the applicable basic Presorted or automation rate, except for firm bundles at Presorted rates as applicable under 707.22.3. [M910.2.4]
* * * * *
10.0 Preparation for Merged Containerization of Bundles of Flats Using City State Product
10.1 Periodicals
10.1.1 Basic Standards
* * * * *
[Revise item d by adding a reference to the City State Product to read as follows:]

d. Mailers must use the Carrier Route Indicators field in the City State Product (see 509.1.2) * * *
[[Page 47755]]
[Revise title in 10.1.3 to read as follows:]
10.1.3 Bundles With Fewer Than Six Pieces (``LowVolume'' Bundles) [Revise 10.1.3 by restructuring the section for clarity and adding references to 24 pieces and merged 3digit sacks to read as follows:]

Carrier route, 5digit scheme, 5digit, 3digit scheme, and 3digit bundles may contain fewer than six pieces when the publisher determines that such preparation improves service. Pieces in these ``lowvolume'' bundles must be claimed at the basic rate. Lowvolume bundles are permitted only when they are sacked or prepared on pallets as follows:

a. Place lowvolume carrier route, 5digit, 3digit scheme, and 3 digit bundles in only carrier route, merged 5digit scheme, 5digit scheme carrier routes, merged 5digit, 5digit carrier routes, 5digit, 3digit, and SCF sacks that contain at least 24 pieces, or in merged 3 digit sacks that contain at least one sixpiece carrier route bundle, or in origin/entry SCF sacks, or on merged 5digit scheme, 5digit scheme carrier routes, 5digit scheme, merged 5digit, 5digit carrier routes, 5digit, 5digit metro, 3digit, or SCF pallets, as

appropriate.

b. Place lowvolume 5digit scheme bundles in only 5digit scheme, 3digit, and SCF sacks that contain at least 24 pieces, or in origin/ entry SCF sacks, or on 3digit or SCF pallets, as appropriate. [M920.1.3]
* * * * *
10.1.4 Sack Preparation and Labeling
[Revise 10.1.4 by adding the reference to 10.1.4h in the introductory paragraph, revising items b through g, adding new item h for merged 3digit sacks, and revising and renumbering current item h as new item i to read as follows:]

Mailers must prepare sacks containing the individual carrier route and 5digit bundles from the carrier route, automation rate, and Presorted rate mailings in the mailing job in the following manner and sequence. All carrier route bundles must be placed in sacks under 10.1.4a through 10.1.4e and 10.1.4h as described below.* * * * * * * *

b. Merged 5Digit Scheme. Required at 24 pieces. Fewer pieces not permitted. Permitted only when there is at least one 5digit ZIP Code in the scheme with an ``A'' or ``C'' indicator in the City State Product. May contain carrier route bundles for any 5digit ZIP Code(s) in a single scheme listed in L001 as well as automation rate 5digit bundles and Presorted rate 5digit bundles for those 5digit ZIP Codes in the scheme that have an ``A'' or ``C'' indicator in the City State Product. For a 5digit ZIP Code(s) in a scheme that has a ``B'' or ``D'' indicator in the City State Product, prepare sack(s) of automation rate and Presorted rate bundles under 10.1.4g and 10.1.4h. For 5digit ZIP Codes not included in a scheme, prepare sacks under 10.1.4d through 10.1.4h.

1. Line 1: use L001, Column B.

2. Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable; followed by ``FLTS'' or ``IRREG'' as applicable; followed by ``CR/5D SCH.''

c. 5Digit Scheme Carrier Routes. Required at 24 pieces. Fewer pieces not permitted. May contain only carrier route bundles for 5 digit ZIP Code(s) in a single scheme listed in L001 when all the 5 digits in the scheme have a ``B'' or ``D'' indicator in the City State Product. Must be prepared if there are any carrier route bundle(s) for such a scheme.

1. Line 1: use L001, Column B.

2. Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable; followed by ``FLTS'' or ``IRREG'' as applicable; followed by ``CRRTS SCH.''

d. Merged 5Digit. Required at 24 pieces. Fewer pieces not permitted. Must be prepared only for those 5digit ZIP Codes that are not part of a scheme and that have an ``A'' or ``C'' indicator in the City State Product. May contain carrier route bundles, automation rate 5digit bundles, and Presorted rate 5digit bundles.

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5digit ZIP Code destination (see 707.21.1.2 for military mail).

2. Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable; followed by ``FLTS'' or ``IRREG'' as applicable; followed by ``CR/5D.''

e. 5Digit Carrier Routes. Required at 24 pieces. Fewer pieces not permitted. Sack only carrier route bundles for a 5digit ZIP Code remaining after preparing sacks under 10.1.4a through 10.1.4d to this level. May contain only carrier route bundles for any 5digit ZIP Code that is not part of a scheme listed in L001 and that has a ``B'' or ``D'' indicator in the City State Product.

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5digit ZIP Code destination (see 707.21.1.2 for military mail).

2. Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable; followed by ``FLTS'' or ``IRREG'' as applicable; followed by ``CRRTS.''

f. 5Digit Scheme. Required at 24 pieces. Fewer pieces not permitted. May contain only automation rate and cobundled automation and Presorted rate 5digit scheme bundles for the same 5digit scheme destination.

1. Line 1: L007, Column B.

2. Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable; followed by ``FLTS 5D SCH BC.''

g. 5Digit. Required at 24 pieces. Fewer pieces not permitted. May contain only automation rate 5digit bundles, Presorted rate 5digit bundles, and carrier route bundles for the same 5digit ZIP Code for any 5digit ZIP Code that has a ``B'' or ``D'' indicator in the City State Product.

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5digit ZIP Code destination (see 707.21.1.2 for military mail).

2. Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable; followed by ``FLTS 5D BC/NBC,'' except if there are no automation rate bundles in the mailing job, label under 707.22.6e.

h. Merged 3Digit. May contain carrier route bundles, any 5digit and 5digit scheme bundles remaining after preparing sacks under 10.1.4a through 10.1.4g, and any 3digit and 3digit scheme bundles. When preparation of this sack level is permitted, a sack must be prepared if there are any carrier route bundles for the 3digit area. Required with at least one carrier route bundle. If there is not at least one carrier route bundle for the 3digit area, the sack must contain a minimum of 24 pieces.

1. Line 1: use L002, Column A.

2. Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable; followed by ``FLTS'' or ``IRREG'' as applicable, followed by ``BC/NBC,'' except if there are no automation rate bundles in the mailing job, label under 707.22.6e.

i. SCF Through Mixed ADC. Any 5digit scheme and 5digit bundles remaining after preparing sacks under 10.1.4a through 10.1.4h and all 3digit, 3digit scheme, ADC, and mixed ADC bundles must be sacked and labeled according to the applicable requirements under 9.2 for cosacking of automation rate and Presorted rate bundles, except if there are no automation rate bundles in the mailing job, sack and label under 707.22.6, or if there are no Presorted rate bundles in the mailing job, sack and label under 707.25.3. [M920.1.4]
11.0 Preparation of Cobundled Automation Rate and Presorted Rate Flats * * * * *
11.2 Periodicals
* * * * *
[Revise 11.2.3 to read as follows:]
[[Page 47756]]
11.2.3 Bundles With Fewer Than Six Pieces (``LowVolume'' Bundles)

5digit scheme, 5digit, 3digit scheme, and 3digit bundles may contain fewer than six pieces when the publisher determines that such preparation improves service. Pieces in these ``lowvolume'' bundles must be claimed at the basic rate. Lowvolume bundles are permitted only when they are sacked or prepared on pallets as follows:

a. Place lowvolume 5digit and 3digit bundles in only 5digit scheme, 5digit, 3digit, and SCF sacks that contain at least 24 pieces; or in origin/entry SCF sacks; or on merged 5digit scheme, 5 digit scheme, merged 5digit, 5digit, 5digit metro, 3digit, or SCF pallets, as appropriate.

b. Place lowvolume 5digit scheme and 3digit scheme bundles in only 5digit scheme, 3digit, and SCF sacks that contain at least 24 pieces, or in origin/entry SCF sacks, or on 3digit or SCF pallets, as appropriate. [M950.2.3]
* * * * *
707 Periodicals
* * * * *
13.0 Carrier Route Rate Eligibility
* * * * *
13.2 Sortation
13.2.1 Sequencing
* * * * *
[Revise item b by adding ``3digit carrier routes sacks'' to read as follows:]

b. Nonlettersize mailings. Carrier route rates apply to carrier route bundles that are sorted onto pallets prepared under 705.8.0, 705.10.0, 705.12.0, or 705.13.0, as appropriate, or prepared in carrier route, 5digit scheme (L001) carrier routes, 5digit carrier routes, 3 digit carrier routes sacks under 23.0, or merged 3digit sacks under 705.10.0. Sacks may be palletized under 705.8.0. [E230.2.1] * * * * *
20.0 Sacks and Trays
* * * * *
22.0 Preparation of Presorted Periodicals
* * * * *
[Revise title of 22.4 to read as follows:]
22.4 Bundles With Fewer Than Six Pieces (``LowVolume'' Bundles) [Revise 22.4 for clarity and to add reference to 24 pieces to read as follows:]

Nonlettersize Periodicals may be prepared in 5digit and 3digit bundles containing fewer than six pieces when the publisher determines that such preparation improves service. Pieces in these ``lowvolume'' bundles must be claimed at the basic rate. Lowvolume bundles are permitted only when they are sacked or prepared on pallets as follows:

a. Place bundles in only 5digit, 3digit, and SCF sacks that contain at least 24 pieces, or in origin/entry SCF sacks, as appropriate.

b. Place bundles on only merged 5digit scheme, 5digit scheme, merged 5digit, 5digit, 5digit metro, 3digit, and SCF pallets. * * * * *
22.6 Sack PreparationFlatSize Pieces and Irregular Parcels
* * * * *
[Revise items a, b, c, and e to amend sack minimum requirements to read as follows:]

a. 5digit: required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted.

b. 3digit: required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted.

c. SCF: required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted. * * * * *

e. ADC: required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted. * * * * *
23.0 Preparation of Carrier Route Periodicals
* * * * *
23.4 PreparationFlatSize Pieces and Irregular Parcels
[Revise 23.4.1 by adding new item d for 3digit carrier routes sacks and adding 24piece minimums to all other sack levels to read as follows:]
23.4.1 Sacking and Labeling

Preparation sequence, sack size, and labeling:

a. Carrier route: required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted.

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5digit ZIP Code on mail (see 21.1.2 for overseas military mail).

2. Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable; followed by ``FLTS'' or ``IRREG'' as applicable; followed by ``WSS'' for saturation rate mail, or ``WSH'' for high density rate mail, or ``CR'' for basic rate mail; followed by the route type and number.

b. 5digit scheme carrier routes: required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted.

1. Line 1: use L001, Column B.

2. Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable; followed by ``FLTS'' or ``IRREG'' as applicable; followed by ``CRRTS SCH.''

c. 5digit carrier routes: required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted.

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5digit ZIP Code destination of bundles, preceded for military mail by the prefixes under 21.1.2.

2. Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable; followed by ``FLTS'' or ``IRREG'' as applicable; followed by ``CRRTS.''

d. 3digit carrier routes: optional with one sixpiece bundle.

1. Line 1: use the city, state, and ZIP Code shown in L002, Column A that corresponds to the 3digit ZIP Code prefix of bundles.

2. Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable; followed by ``FLTS'' or ``IRREG'' (as applicable) ``3D''; followed by ``CRRTS.'' [M220.4.1] * * * * *
[Revise 23.6 by revising the title, restructuring the text for clarity, correcting item a by deleting ``merged 5digit scheme'' and ``merged 5digit,'' and adding a reference to 24 pieces to read as follows:]
23.6 Bundles With Fewer Than Six Pieces (``LowVolume'' Bundles)

Nonlettersize Periodicals may be prepared in carrier route bundles containing fewer than six pieces when the publisher determines that such preparation improves service. Pieces in these ``lowvolume'' bundles must be claimed at the basic rate. Lowvolume carrier route bundles are permitted only when they are sacked or prepared on pallets as follows:

a. Place bundles in only 5digit scheme carrier routes and 5digit carrier routes sacks that contain at least 24 pieces, or 3digit carrier routes or merged 3digit sacks that contain at least one six piece carrier route bundle.

b. Place bundles on only merged 5digit scheme, 5digit scheme carrier routes, merged 5 digit, 5digit carrier routes, 5digit metro, 3digit, and SCF pallets.
* * * * *
25.0 Preparation of FlatSize Automation Periodicals
25.1 Basic Standards
* * * * *
[Revise 25.1.9 for clarity and to add references to 24 pieces to read as follows:]

25.1.9 ExceptionPeriodicals Preparation

5digit scheme, 5digit, 3digit scheme, and 3digit bundles may contain fewer than six pieces when the publisher determines that such preparation improves service. Pieces in
[[Page 47757]]
bundles containing fewer than six pieces (lowvolume bundles) must be claimed at the basic rate. Lowvolume bundles are permitted only when they are sacked or prepared on pallets under these conditions:

a. Place 5digit and 3digit bundles in only 5digit scheme, 5 digit, 3digit, and SCF sacks, as appropriate, that contain at least 24 pieces, or in merged 3digit sacks that contain at least one sixpiece carrier route bundle, or in origin/entry SCF sacks.

b. Place 5digit and 3digit bundles on only merged 5digit scheme, 5digit scheme, merged 5digit, 5digit, 5digit metro, 3digit, and SCF pallets, as appropriate.

c. Place 5digit scheme and 3digit scheme bundles in only 5digit scheme, 3digit, and SCF sacks, as appropriate, that contain at least 24 pieces, or in merged 3digit sacks that contain at least one six piece carrier route bundle, or in origin/entry SCF sacks.

d. Place 5digit scheme and 3digit scheme bundles on only 3digit and SCF pallets, as appropriate.
* * * * *
25.3 Sacking and Labeling
* * * * *
[Revise items a through d and item f by amending sack minimum requirements to read as follows:]

a. 5digit scheme; required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted; may contain 5digit scheme bundles only; labeling: * * *

b. 5digit; required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted; labeling: * * *

c. 3digit; required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted; labeling: * * *

d. SCF: required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted; labeling: * * *

* * * * *

f. ADC: required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted; labeling: * * *
* * * * *
708 Technical Specifications
* * * * *
6.1.4 3Digit Content Identifier Numbers
[Revise Exhibit 6.1.4 by adding new content identifier numbers to read as follows:]
* * * * *
PER FlatsCarrier Route

* * * * *

5digit carrier routes sacks 386 PER FLTS 5D CRRTS * * * * *

3digit carrier routes sacks 386 PER FLTS 3D CRRTS * * * * *
PER FlatsMerged Carrier Route, Automation, and Presorted
* * * * *

merged 3digit sacks 322 PER FLTS CR/5D/3D
* * * * *
PER Irregular ParcelsMerged Carrier Route and Presorted
* * * * *

merged 3digit sacks 390 PER IRREG CR/5D/3D
* * * * *
PER Irregular ParcelsCarrier Route

* * * * *

5digit carrier routes sacks 396 PER IRREG 5D CRRTS * * * * *

3digit carrier routes sacks 390 PER IRREG 3D CRRTS * * * * *
NEWS FlatsCarrier Route

* * * * *

5digit carrier routes sacks 486 NEWS FLTS 5D CRRTS * * * * *

3digit carrier routes sacks 486 NEWS FLTS 3D CRRTS * * * * *
NEWS FlatsMerged Carrier Route, Automation, and Presorted
* * * * *

merged 3digit sacks 422 NEWS FLTS CR/5D/3D
* * * * *
NEWS Irregular ParcelsMerged Carrier Route and Presorted
* * * * *

merged 3digit sacks 490 NEWS IRREG CR/5D/3D
* * * * *
NEWS Irregular ParcelsCarrier Route

* * * * *

5digit carrier routes sacks 496 NEWS IRREG 5D CRRTS * * * * *

3digit carrier routes sacks 490 NEWS IRREG 3D CRRTS * * * * *

We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to reflect these changes if the proposal is adopted.
Neva R. Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 0516200 Filed 81205; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 771012P

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Joel Walker, 202-268-7266.