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CFR Citation: 39 CFR Part 111

NOTICE: RULES

DOCUMENT ACTION: Final rule.

SUBJECT CATEGORY: Service Barcode Required for Priority Mail Open and Distribute Container Address Labels

DATES: Effective Date: July 1, 2008.

DOCUMENT SUMMARY: In this final rule the Postal Service provides new mailing standards to require the use of a concatenated UCC/EAN Code 128 Service barcode with a unique Service Type Code ``55'' on all Priority Mail[supreg] Open and Distribute container address labels. A proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on May 24, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 100), requiring the use of a concatenated UCC/EAN Code 128 Delivery Confirmation\TM\ service barcode. Although no comments were received in response to the proposed rule, because of the modification we decided to publish a second proposed rule. No comments were received in response to the second proposed rule published on April 21, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 77). However, we have extended the effective date from May 12, 2008, to July 1, 2008.

SUMMARY: Service Barcode Required for Priority Mail Open and Distribute Container Address Labels,

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

There were no comments received on the May 24, 2007, or April 21, 2008 proposed rules.

Background

Priority Mail Open and Distribute is designed to enhance the Postal Service's ability to provide mailers with expedited service to destination delivery units and other mail processing facilities. Mailers are currently provided an option to use Delivery Confirmation service to receive performance information and confirmation that their containers arrived at the destination facility, along with the date, ZIP Code\TM\, and time their Priority Mail Open and Distribute containers are received at the destination facility.

Summary

In order to verify the arrival at the destination facility for all Priority Mail Open and Distribute containers, the Postal Service is requiring mailers to place a barcode on all Priority Mail Open and Distribute address labels. The barcode is required to be a concatenated UCC/EAN 128 Service barcode with a unique Service Type Code (STC) ``55''. The text, ``USPS SCAN ON ARRIVAL,'' above the barcode is exclusive to this service and will assist in facilitating correct scan behavior.

The decision to require the use of the Service barcode instead of the Delivery Confirmation barcode will lessen any confusion as to the appropriate scans the barcode should receive and ensure the customer gets the appropriate performance information. This will provide better visibility to the customer and enable the USPS[supreg] to monitor service performance based on the product.

The requirement is in accordance with instructions for barcode specifications, electronic file format and testing, and certification process, in Publication 91, Confirmation Services Technical Guide. Updates to this guide were published in the April 10, 2008, Postal Bulletin.

Implementation

The required use of a Service barcode with Priority Mail Open and Distribute service will be effective July 1, 2008.

The Postal Service adopts the following changes to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]), which is incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR 111.1.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service. Accordingly, 39 CFR 111 is amended as follows:
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, 416, 30013011, 32013219, 34033406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, 3633, and 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 * * * * *
16.0 Express Mail Open and Distribute and Priority Mail Open and Distribute
* * * * *
16.4 Additional Standards for Priority Mail Open and Distribute * * * * *
16.4.2 Extra Services
[Revise the first sentence in the introductory text of 16.4.2 as follows:]

No extra services are available for Priority Mail Open and Distribute containers. * * *
* * * * *
16.5 Preparation
* * * * *
16.5.4 Tags 161 and 190Priority Mail Open and Distribute
* * * * *
[Delete item c.]
* * * * *
16.5.6 Address Labels

[Revise the text in 16.5.6 as follows:]

In addition to Tag 157, Label 23, Tag 161, or Tag 190, USPS supplied containers and envelopes and mailersupplied containers used for Express Mail Open and Distribute or Priority Mail Open and Distribute must bear an address label that states ``OPEN AND DISTRIBUTE

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Cheryl DuBois at 202-268-3146 or Garry Rodriguez at 2022687281.