80 FR 13767 - Clarification of Content Eligibility for Standard Mail Marketing Parcels
POSTAL SERVICE Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 51 (March 17, 2015)
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 51 (March 17, 2015)
| Page Range | 13767-13768 | |
| FR Document | 2015-05885 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 51 (Tuesday, March 17, 2015)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 13767-13768] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-05885] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- POSTAL SERVICE 39 CFR Part 111 Clarification of Content Eligibility for Standard Mail Marketing Parcels AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual to (DMM[supreg]) to reaffirm basic eligibility standards for Standard Mail Marketing Parcels. DATES: Effective date: April 16, 2015. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lizbeth Dobbins at 202-268-3789, John F. Rosato at 202-268-8597, or Suzanne Newman at 202-695-0550. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Proposed Rule The Postal Service published a proposed rule (80 FR 1872-1873) on January 14, 2015, with a comment period ending February 13, 2015, to recertify the definition of Standard Mail Marketing Parcels, remind customers about the basic eligibility and address format standards, and ensure compliance with the rule that this product line not be used for fulfillment. Background: Previously the Postal Service published standards for the use of the Marketing Parcel product which limited its use to non- fulfillment activity. We affirmed that definition in Postal Bulletin 22327 (December 29, 2011), and reaffirmed it in Postal Bulletin 22406 (January 8, 2015). Specifically, Standard Mail Marketing Parcels were designed for mailers to send non-requested items or samples to potential customers. Our intent was to build a low cost prospecting vehicle; therefore, the Postal Service built in factors to minimize handling costs. One factor, the alternative addressing format, was required so that the current resident became the recipient of the mailpiece if the named addressee moved from that address. This avoided extra delivery and forwarding costs. Another factor was the specification of size restrictions, including the requirement that pieces needed to be similar in shape and weight if sent in a single mailing. Building upon the original intent, and to keep this product a viable and cost-effective promotional vehicle, we are adding stronger language to the DMM on content eligibility and address format for Standard Mail Marketing Parcels. This includes clarification that all Standard Mail Marketing Parcels (regular and nonprofit) must bear an alternate addressing format and cannot be used for ``fulfillment purposes'' (i.e. the sending of items specifically purchased or requested by the customer of a mailer). The one exception to this rule is if the customer of a mailer elects to receive certain samples in connection with the purchase of an item, those samples may be sent separately from the purchased item as a Standard Mail Marketing Parcel. Moreover, the alternate address format must be on the same line as the addressee's name, or on the address line directly above or below the addressee's name as identified in DMM 602.3.4. II. Comments and Responses We received feedback from five commenters, who raised three distinct issues. (1) Statement: One commenter had no issues with the definition and wondered why it was an issue. Response: It came to the attention of the Postal Service that this product was being improperly used for fulfillment, since it was so inexpensive. (2) Statement: Four commenters stated they had no issue with the content eligibility requirement but requested that a ``grace'' period be established to give them time to adjust their business models. Response: The Postal Service appreciates that some customers may have misused the product, as designed, and appreciates the challenges of adjusting business models. Therefore the Postal Service will review requests for a ``grace period'' on a case by case basis. (3) Statement: Three commenters requested additional time to adjust their existing contract agreements. Response: As stated above, the Postal Service will review requests for a ``grace period'' on a case by case basis. The Postal Service appreciates the forthrightness of the commenters in explaining how they do business using this product. In response to these concerns, the Postal Service has determined that it is appropriate to relax the proposed rule in one respect. Since the samples will not be required to be identical in weight, if a customer elects to receive certain samples in connection with the purchase of an item, those samples may be sent separately from the purchased item as a Standard Mail Marketing Parcel as long as the transactions are linked. List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111 Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service. The Postal Service adopts the following changes 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 111.1. Accordingly, for the reasons stated in the preamble, 39 CFR part 111 is amended as follows: PART 111--[AMENDED] 0 1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as follows: [[Page 13768]] Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 13 U.S.C. 301-307; 18 U.S.C. 1692- 1737; 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 414, 416, 3001-3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, 3633, and 5001. 0 2. Revise the following sections of Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), as follows: Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) * * * * * 200 Commercial Mail * * * * * 240 Standard Mail 243 Prices and Eligibility * * * * * 3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for Standard Mail * * * * * 3.2 Defining Characteristics * * * * * 3.2.2 Standard Mail Marketing Parcels [Revise 3.2.2 to read as follows:] All Standard Mail Marketing parcels (regular and nonprofit) must bear an alternate addressing format and cannot be used for ``fulfillment purposes'' (i.e. the sending of items specifically purchased or requested by the customer of a mailer). The alternate address format must be on the same line as the addressee's name or on the address line directly above or below the addressee's name. * * * * * We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to reflect these changes. Stanley F. Mires, Attorney, Federal Requirements. [FR Doc. 2015-05885 Filed 3-16-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710-12-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 51 / Tuesday, March 17, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 13767
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Burlington (DMM®) to reaffirm basic eligibility the address line directly above or below
Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway standards for Standard Mail Marketing the addressee’s name as identified in
requested this deviation to facilitate the Parcels. DMM 602.3.4.
installation of new rail joints on the lift DATES: Effective date: April 16, 2015. II. Comments and Responses
span. BNSF has scheduled this
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
installation to coincide with the U.S. We received feedback from five
Lizbeth Dobbins at 202–268–3789, John
Army Corps of Engineers lock outages commenters, who raised three distinct
F. Rosato at 202–268–8597, or Suzanne
on the Columbia River. The Celilo issues.
Newman at 202–695–0550.
Bridge crosses the Columbia River at (1) Statement: One commenter had no
mile 201.2 and provides 18.8 feet of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
issues with the definition and wondered
vertical clearance above Columbia River I. Proposed Rule why it was an issue.
Datum 0.0 while in the closed position. Response: It came to the attention of
The Postal Service published a
Under normal operations, this bridge the Postal Service that this product was
proposed rule (80 FR 1872–1873) on
opens as required by 33 CFR 117.869. being improperly used for fulfillment,
January 14, 2015, with a comment
The deviation period is from 7 a.m. to since it was so inexpensive.
period ending February 13, 2015, to
3 p.m. daily on March 9, 2015 through (2) Statement: Four commenters
recertify the definition of Standard Mail
March 13, 2015. This deviation allows stated they had no issue with the
Marketing Parcels, remind customers
the lift span of the BNSF Railway Bridge content eligibility requirement but
about the basic eligibility and address
across the Columbia River, mile 201.2, requested that a ‘‘grace’’ period be
format standards, and ensure
to remain in the closed-to-navigation established to give them time to adjust
compliance with the rule that this
position, and need not open for their business models.
product line not be used for fulfillment.
maritime traffic during the periods Background: Previously the Postal Response: The Postal Service
listed above. The bridge shall operate in Service published standards for the use appreciates that some customers may
accordance to 33 CFR 117.869 at all of the Marketing Parcel product which have misused the product, as designed,
other times. Waterway usage on this limited its use to non-fulfillment and appreciates the challenges of
part of the Columbia River includes activity. We affirmed that definition in adjusting business models. Therefore
vessels ranging from commercial tug Postal Bulletin 22327 (December 29, the Postal Service will review requests
and barge to small pleasure craft. 2011), and reaffirmed it in Postal for a ‘‘grace period’’ on a case by case
Vessels able to pass through the basis.
Bulletin 22406 (January 8, 2015).
bridge in the closed positions may do so Specifically, Standard Mail Marketing (3) Statement: Three commenters
at anytime. The BNSF Railway Bridge Parcels were designed for mailers to requested additional time to adjust their
will not be able to open for emergencies, send non-requested items or samples to existing contract agreements.
and there is no immediate alternate potential customers. Our intent was to Response: As stated above, the Postal
route for vessels to pass. The Coast build a low cost prospecting vehicle; Service will review requests for a ‘‘grace
Guard will also inform the users of the therefore, the Postal Service built in period’’ on a case by case basis.
waterways through our Local and factors to minimize handling costs. One The Postal Service appreciates the
Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the factor, the alternative addressing format, forthrightness of the commenters in
change in operating schedule for the was required so that the current resident explaining how they do business using
bridge so that vessels can arrange their became the recipient of the mailpiece if this product. In response to these
transits to minimize any impact caused the named addressee moved from that concerns, the Postal Service has
by the temporary deviation. address. This avoided extra delivery and
In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), determined that it is appropriate to relax
forwarding costs. Another factor was the the proposed rule in one respect. Since
the drawbridge must return to its regular
specification of size restrictions, the samples will not be required to be
operating schedule immediately at the
including the requirement that pieces identical in weight, if a customer elects
end of the effective period of this
needed to be similar in shape and to receive certain samples in connection
temporary deviation. This deviation
weight if sent in a single mailing. with the purchase of an item, those
from the operating regulations is Building upon the original intent, and
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35. samples may be sent separately from the
to keep this product a viable and cost- purchased item as a Standard Mail
Dated: March 5, 2015. effective promotional vehicle, we are Marketing Parcel as long as the
Steven M. Fischer, adding stronger language to the DMM transactions are linked.
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast on content eligibility and address format
Guard, District. for Standard Mail Marketing Parcels. List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111
[FR Doc. 2015–05886 Filed 3–13–15; 11:15 am] This includes clarification that all Administrative practice and
BILLING CODE 9110–04–P Standard Mail Marketing Parcels procedure, Postal Service.
(regular and nonprofit) must bear an The Postal Service adopts the
alternate addressing format and cannot following changes to Mailing Standards
POSTAL SERVICE be used for ‘‘fulfillment purposes’’ (i.e. of the United States Postal Service,
the sending of items specifically Domestic Mail Manual (DMM),
39 CFR Part 111 purchased or requested by the customer incorporated by reference in the Code of
of a mailer). The one exception to this Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR 111.1.
Clarification of Content Eligibility for rule is if the customer of a mailer elects
Standard Mail Marketing Parcels Accordingly, for the reasons stated in
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to receive certain samples in connection the preamble, 39 CFR part 111 is
AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM. with the purchase of an item, those amended as follows:
ACTION: Final rule. samples may be sent separately from the
purchased item as a Standard Mail PART 111—[AMENDED]
SUMMARY: The Postal Service is revising Marketing Parcel. Moreover, the
Mailing Standards of the United States alternate address format must be on the ■ 1. The authority citation for 39 CFR
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual to same line as the addressee’s name, or on part 111 continues to read as follows:
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![13768 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 51 / Tuesday, March 17, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 13 U.S.C. 301– ACTION: Final rule. INFORMATION CONTACT section to
307; 18 U.S.C. 1692–1737; 39 U.S.C. 101, schedule your inspection. The Regional
401, 403, 404, 414, 416, 3001–3011, 3201– SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Office’s official hours of business are
3219, 3403–3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, Agency (EPA) is approving a State Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to
3633, and 5001. Implementation Plan (SIP) revision 4:30 p.m., excluding legal holidays.
■ 2. Revise the following sections of submitted by the State of Connecticut. Copies of the documents relevant to
Mailing Standards of the United States The regulations adopted by Connecticut this action are also available for public
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual include the California Low Emission inspection during normal business
(DMM), as follows: Vehicle (LEV) II light-duty motor hours, by appointment at the Bureau of
vehicle emission standards effective in Air Management, Department of Energy
Mailing Standards of the United States model year 2008, the California LEV II and Environmental Protection, State
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual medium-duty vehicle standards Office Building, 79 Elm Street, Hartford,
(DMM) effective in model year 2009, and CT 06106–1630.
* * * * * greenhouse gas emission standards for FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
light-duty motor vehicles and medium- Donald O. Cooke, Air Quality Planning
200 Commercial Mail
duty vehicles effective with model year Unit, U.S. Environmental Protection
* * * * * 2009. The Connecticut LEV regulation Agency, EPA New England Regional
240 Standard Mail submitted also includes a zero emission Office, Office of Ecosystem Protection,
vehicle (ZEV) provision, as well as Air Quality Planning Unit, 5 Post Office
243 Prices and Eligibility emission control label and Square–Suite 100, (Mail code OEP05–2),
* * * * * environmental performance label Boston, MA 02109–3912, telephone
requirements. Connecticut has adopted number (617) 918–1668, fax number
3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for these revisions to reduce emissions of
Standard Mail (617) 918–0668, email cooke.donald@
volatile organic compounds (VOC) and epa.gov.
* * * * * nitrogen oxides (NOX) in accordance
with the requirements of the Clean Air SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
3.2 Defining Characteristics Act (CAA), as well as to reduce Throughout this document whenever
* * * * * greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ or ‘‘our’’ is used, we mean
methane, nitrous oxide, and EPA.
3.2.2 Standard Mail Marketing Organization of this document. The
hydrofluorocarbons). In addition,
Parcels following outline is provided to aid in
Connecticut has worked to ensure that
[Revise 3.2.2 to read as follows:] their program is identical to California’s, locating information in this preamble.
All Standard Mail Marketing parcels as required by the CAA. The intended I. Background and Purpose
effect of this action is to approve the II. Response to Public Comments
(regular and nonprofit) must bear an III. Final Action
alternate addressing format and cannot Connecticut LEV II program. In
addition, EPA is approving the removal IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
be used for ‘‘fulfillment purposes’’ (i.e.
the sending of items specifically of the definition and regulation of I. Background and Purpose
purchased or requested by the customer ‘‘composite motor vehicles’’ from the
On January 27, 2014 (79 FR 4308),
of a mailer). The alternate address Connecticut’s SIP-approved vehicle
EPA published a Notice of Proposed
format must be on the same line as the inspection and maintenance program.
Rulemaking (NPR) for the State of
addressee’s name or on the address line These actions are being taken in
Connecticut, ‘‘Approval and
directly above or below the addressee’s accordance with the CAA.
Promulgation of Air Quality
name. DATES: This rule is effective on April 16, Implementation Plans; Connecticut;
* * * * * 2015. Low Emission Vehicle Program.’’ The
We will publish an appropriate ADDRESSES: EPA has established a NPR proposed approval of Connecticut’s
amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to reflect docket for this action under Docket Low Emissions Vehicle II (LEV II)
these changes. Identification No. EPA–R01–OAR– program, as adopted by Connecticut on
2010–0121. All documents in the docket December 4, 2004, and subsequently
Stanley F. Mires, are listed on the www.regulations.gov amended on December 22, 2005 and
Attorney, Federal Requirements. Web site. Although listed in the index, August 4, 2009. The Connecticut LEV II
[FR Doc. 2015–05885 Filed 3–16–15; 8:45 am] some information is not publicly program is cited as a weight-of-evidence
BILLING CODE 7710–12–P available, i.e., CBI or other information measure in Connecticut’s Attainment
whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Demonstration SIP for the 1997 8-hour
Certain other material, such as ozone standard, submitted to EPA on
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION copyrighted material, is not placed on February 1, 2008. The formal LEV II SIP
AGENCY the Internet and will be publicly revision was submitted by Connecticut
available only in hard copy form. on January 22, 2010.
40 CFR Part 52 Publicly available docket materials are On December 4, 2004, Connecticut
available either electronically through repealed the provisions of section 22a–
[EPA–R01–OAR–2010–0121; A–1–FRL– www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at 174–36 of the Regulations of
9915–05–Region 1] the Office of Ecosystem Protection, U.S. Connecticut State Agencies, rescinding
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Approval and Promulgation of Air Environmental Protection Agency, EPA both the California Low Emission
Quality Implementation Plans; New England Regional Office, Office of Vehicle I program and the National Low
Connecticut; Low Emission Vehicle Ecosystem Protection, Air Quality Emission Vehicle (NLEV) program. In
Program Planning Unit, 5 Post Office Square– accordance with section 177 of the
Suite 100, Boston, MA. EPA requests Clean Air Act (CAA) and as required by
AGENCY: Environmental Protection that if at all possible, you contact the Connecticut Public Act 04–84,
Agency (EPA). contact listed in the FOR FURTHER Connecticut adopted section 22a–174–
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Document Created: 2015-12-18 12:01:23
Document Modified: 2015-12-18 12:01:23
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule. | |
| Contact | Lizbeth Dobbins at 202-268-3789, John F. Rosato at 202-268-8597, or Suzanne Newman at 202-695-0550. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 13767 | |
| CFR Associated | Administrative Practice and Procedure and Postal Service |
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