80 FR 50589 - Periodic Reporting
POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 161 (August 20, 2015)
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 161 (August 20, 2015)
| Page Range | 50589-50590 | |
| FR Document | 2015-20534 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 161 (Thursday, August 20, 2015)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 50589-50590] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-20534] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION 39 CFR Part 3050 [Docket No. RM2015-17; Order No. 2661] Periodic Reporting AGENCY: Postal Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Commission is noticing a recent Postal Service filing requesting that the Commission initiate an informal rulemaking proceeding to consider changes to analytical principles relating to periodic reports (Proposal Eight). This notice informs the public of the filing, invites public comment, and takes other administrative steps. DATES: Comments are due: September 8, 2015. Reply Comments are due: September 22, 2015. ADDRESSES: Submit comments electronically via the Commission's Filing Online system at http://www.prc.gov. Those who cannot submit comments electronically should contact the person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section by telephone for advice on filing alternatives. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David A. Trissell, General Counsel, at 202-789-6820. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents I. Introduction II. Summary of Proposal III. Initial Commission Action IV. Ordering Paragraphs I. Introduction On August 5, 2015, the Postal Service filed a petition pursuant to 39 CFR 3050.11 requesting that the Commission initiate an informal rulemaking proceeding in order to consider changes [[Page 50590]] in analytical principles relating to periodic reports.\1\ Proposal Eight is attached to the Petition and proposes an analytical method change related to the avoided costs for 5-Digit pallets Standard Mail Carrier Route flats discounts. Petition at 1. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Petition of the United States Postal Service for the Initiation of a Proceeding to Consider Proposed Changes in Analytical Principles (Proposal Eight), August 5, 2015 (Petition). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- This Petition was filed in response to Order No. 2472, which directed the Postal Service ``to file a proposed methodology for determining the costs avoided for the 5-digit pallet presort Standard Mail Carrier Route flats workshare discount, as described in the body of [Order No. 2472], within 90 days of the date of [Order No. 2472].'' \2\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ Docket No. R2015-4, Order on Revised Price Adjustments for Standard Mail, Periodicals and Package Services Products and Related Mail Classification Changes, May 7, 2015, at 63 (Order No. 2472). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- II. Summary of Proposal The Postal Service explains that prior to the planned price adjustments in Docket No. R2015-4, the Carrier Route product only afforded customers entry discounts. Petition, Proposal Eight at 1. The Postal Service's price adjustment in Docket No. R2015-4 introduced a preparation discount on 5-Digit Carrier Route pallets. Proposal Eight seeks to modify the Standard Mail Flats Cost Model to produce estimates of mail processing cost avoidances for Carrier Route pieces on 5-Digit Carrier Route pallets. Id. The Petition states that the general architecture of the model is retained, but it is expanded to explicitly model the unique characteristics and flows of Carrier Route flats. Id. The Petition further states that when a commercial mailer has at least 250 pounds of Carrier Route mail destinating in a 5-Digit or 5- Digit Scheme (Labeling List L001) the customer can prepare a Carrier Route pallet. Preparation of a Carrier Route pallet enables the Postal Service to cross-dock the pallet directly to the delivery unit and bypass bundle sortation operations. Id. at 1-2. The structure and methodology used in estimating cost avoidances of Standard Mail Flats provide estimates of costs avoided for pieces prepared on Carrier Route pallets. Id. at 2. The Postal Service explains that this model provides engineering cost estimates of bundles and pieces based on the preparation profile of pieces within each rate element. Id. The Postal Service states that as in the model to estimate cost avoidances for Standard Mail Flats, the proposed Carrier Route pallet cost avoidance model's mail preparation profile is taken from the Mail Characteristics Study in USPS-FY14-14 to account for Carrier Route pieces on Carrier Route pallets and Carrier Route pieces on all other containers. The Postal Service asserts that the Carrier Route data from the Mail Characteristics Study in USPS-FY14-14 is modified to exclude pieces prepared in FSS bundles. Id. The new preparation profile includes only pieces that qualify for Carrier Route rates under the new qualification standards. Id. The Postal Service's methodology used to calculate bundle flow and piece flow are unchanged from the Standard Mail Flats Cost Model.\3\ Id. However, the Postal Service contends that the proposal amends the flow parameters within the model that are specific to Carrier Route.\4\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \3\ Including all assumptions, for example the bundle breakage rate. \4\ The Postal Service cites to the Excel files submitted with its petition in Docket No. RM2015-16, USPS-RM2015-16/1, August 5, 2015. Compare, e.g., File STD_FLATS_Order 2472.xlsx, tab CR Pallet Model with tab 5D Auto Model Rev. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- III. Initial Commission Action The Commission establishes Docket No. RM2015-17 for consideration of matters raised by the Petition. Additional information concerning the Petition may be accessed via the Commission's Web site at http://www.prc.gov. Interested persons may submit comments on the Petition and Proposal Eight no later than September 8, 2015. Reply comments are due no later than September 22, 2015. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, the Commission designates Nina Yeh to serve as an officer of the Commission (Public Representative) representing the interests of the general public in this proceeding. IV. Ordering Paragraphs It is ordered: 1. The Commission establishes Docket No. RM2015-17 for consideration of the matters raised by the Petition of the United States Postal Service Requesting Initiation of a Proceeding to Consider a Proposed Change in Analytical Principles (Proposal Eight), filed August 5, 2015. 2. Comments are due no later than September 8, 2015. Reply comments are due no later than September 22, 2015. 3. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, the Commission appoints Nina Yeh to serve as an officer of the Commission (Public Representative) to represent the interests of the general public in this docket. 4. The Secretary shall arrange for publication of this order in the Federal Register. By the Commission. Ruth Ann Abrams, Acting Secretary. [FR Doc. 2015-20534 Filed 8-19-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710-FW-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 161 / Thursday, August 20, 2015 / Proposed Rules 50589
After a complete review of the public individuals is allowed to present. We www.federalregister.gov. Specifically,
comments presented at the public will accept walk-in registrations for any through the advanced search feature at
hearings and in the written submissions, remaining time slots on a first-come this site, you can limit your search to
we will publish a document (or first-served basis, beginning at 8:30 a.m. documents published by the
documents) in the Federal Register on the day of the public hearing at the Department.
announcing the specific topics for Department’s on-site registration table. Delegation of Authority: The Secretary of
which we intend to establish a Registration is not required to observe Education has delegated authority to
negotiated rulemaking committee and a the public hearings. Jamienne S. Studley, Deputy Under
request for nominations for individual The Department will post Secretary, to perform the functions and
negotiators for the committee who transcriptions of the hearings to duties of the Assistant Secretary for
represent the communities of interest www2.ed.gov/policy/highered/reg/ Postsecondary Education.
that would be significantly affected by hearulemaking/2016/index.html. Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1098a.
the proposed regulations. This Although the Department will not be
filming the hearings, as this is a public Dated: August 18, 2015.
document will also be posted on the
Department’s Web site at: www2.ed.gov/ meeting, speakers should be aware that Jamienne S. Studley,
policy/highered/reg/hearulemaking/ they may be filmed or recorded by Deputy Under Secretary.
2016/index.html. members of the public. [FR Doc. 2015–20669 Filed 8–19–15; 8:45 am]
Speakers may submit written BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
Public Hearings comments at the public hearings. In
We will hold two public hearings for addition, the Department will accept
interested parties to discuss the written comments via the Federal POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION
rulemaking agenda. The public hearings eRulemaking portal, and by postal mail,
will be held: commercial delivery, or hand delivery, 39 CFR Part 3050
• September 10, 2015, at the U.S. through September 16, 2015. (See the
Department of Education, 1990 K Street ADDRESSES section of this document for [Docket No. RM2015–17; Order No. 2661]
NW., Eighth Floor Conference Center, submission information.)
Washington, DC 20006. Periodic Reporting
• September 16, 2015, at the Schedule for Negotiations
AGENCY: Postal Regulatory Commission.
Courtyard San Francisco Downtown, We anticipate that any committee
299 2nd Street, Rincon Hill Room, San established after the public hearings ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
Francisco, CA 94105. will begin negotiations in January 2016, SUMMARY: The Commission is noticing a
The public hearings will be held from with the committee meeting for up to recent Postal Service filing requesting
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., local time. three sessions of approximately three that the Commission initiate an informal
Further information on the public days each at roughly monthly intervals. rulemaking proceeding to consider
hearing sites is available at The committee will meet in the changes to analytical principles relating
www2.ed.gov/policy/highered/reg/ Washington, DC area. The dates and to periodic reports (Proposal Eight).
hearulemaking/2016/index.html. locations of these meetings will be This notice informs the public of the
Individuals who would like to present published in a subsequent document in filing, invites public comment, and
comments at the public hearings must the Federal Register, and will be posted takes other administrative steps.
register by sending an email to on the Department’s Web site at:
negreghearing@ed.gov. The email DATES: Comments are due: September 8,
www2.ed.gov/policy/highered/reg/
should include the name of the 2015. Reply Comments are due:
hearulemaking/2016/index.html.
presenter along with the public hearing Accessible Format: Individuals with September 22, 2015.
at which the individual would like to disabilities can obtain this document in ADDRESSES: Submit comments
speak, and a general timeframe during an accessible format (e.g., braille, large electronically via the Commission’s
which the individual would like to print, audiotape, or compact disc) by Filing Online system at http://
speak (for example, a presenter could contacting Wendy Macias, U.S. www.prc.gov. Those who cannot submit
indicate morning or afternoon, or before Department of Education, 1990 K Street comments electronically should contact
11:00 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m.). We will NW., Room 8013, Washington, DC the person identified in the FOR FURTHER
attempt to accommodate each speaker’s 20006. Telephone: (202) 502–7526 or by INFORMATION CONTACT section by
preference, but, if we are unable to do email: Wendy.Macias@ed.gov. telephone for advice on filing
so, we will make the determination on Electronic Access to This Document: alternatives.
a first-come first-served basis (based on The official version of this document is FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
the time and date the email was the document published in the Federal David A. Trissell, General Counsel, at
received). It is likely that each Register. Free Internet access to the 202–789–6820.
participant will be limited to five official edition of the Federal Register
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
minutes. The Department will notify and the Code of Federal Regulations is
registrants of the location and time slot available via the Federal Digital System Table of Contents
reserved for them. An individual may at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site you I. Introduction
make only one presentation at the can view this document, as well as all II. Summary of Proposal
public hearings. If we receive more other documents of this Department III. Initial Commission Action
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
registrations than we are able to published in the Federal Register, in IV. Ordering Paragraphs
accommodate, the Department reserves text or Adobe Portable Document
the right to reject the registration of an Format (PDF). To use PDF you must I. Introduction
entity or individual that is affiliated have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is On August 5, 2015, the Postal Service
with an entity or individual that is available free at the site. You may also filed a petition pursuant to 39 CFR
already scheduled to present comments, access documents of the Department 3050.11 requesting that the Commission
and to select among registrants to ensure published in the Federal Register by initiate an informal rulemaking
that a broad range of entities and using the article search feature at: proceeding in order to consider changes
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:21 Aug 19, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\20AUP1.SGM 20AUP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_50750/page/1.svg)
![50590 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 161 / Thursday, August 20, 2015 / Proposed Rules
in analytical principles relating to Carrier Route pallet cost avoidance 4. The Secretary shall arrange for
periodic reports.1 Proposal Eight is model’s mail preparation profile is publication of this order in the Federal
attached to the Petition and proposes an taken from the Mail Characteristics Register.
analytical method change related to the Study in USPS–FY14–14 to account for By the Commission.
avoided costs for 5-Digit pallets Carrier Route pieces on Carrier Route Ruth Ann Abrams,
Standard Mail Carrier Route flats pallets and Carrier Route pieces on all
Acting Secretary.
discounts. Petition at 1. other containers. The Postal Service
[FR Doc. 2015–20534 Filed 8–19–15; 8:45 am]
This Petition was filed in response to asserts that the Carrier Route data from
Order No. 2472, which directed the the Mail Characteristics Study in USPS– BILLING CODE 7710–FW–P
Postal Service ‘‘to file a proposed FY14–14 is modified to exclude pieces
methodology for determining the costs prepared in FSS bundles. Id. The new
avoided for the 5-digit pallet presort preparation profile includes only pieces ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Standard Mail Carrier Route flats that qualify for Carrier Route rates under AGENCY
workshare discount, as described in the the new qualification standards. Id.
body of [Order No. 2472], within 90 40 CFR Part 52
The Postal Service’s methodology
days of the date of [Order No. 2472].’’ 2 used to calculate bundle flow and piece [EPA–R05–OAR–2014–0660; FRL–9932–17–
flow are unchanged from the Standard Region 5]
II. Summary of Proposal
Mail Flats Cost Model.3 Id. However, the
The Postal Service explains that prior Postal Service contends that the Air Plan Approval; Indiana; Alcoa
to the planned price adjustments in proposal amends the flow parameters BART
Docket No. R2015–4, the Carrier Route within the model that are specific to AGENCY: Environmental Protection
product only afforded customers entry Carrier Route.4 Agency (EPA).
discounts. Petition, Proposal Eight at 1.
III. Initial Commission Action ACTION: Proposed rule.
The Postal Service’s price adjustment in
Docket No. R2015–4 introduced a The Commission establishes Docket SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection
preparation discount on 5-Digit Carrier No. RM2015–17 for consideration of Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a
Route pallets. Proposal Eight seeks to matters raised by the Petition. revision to the Alcoa Best Available
modify the Standard Mail Flats Cost Additional information concerning the Retrofit Technology (BART) averaging
Model to produce estimates of mail Petition may be accessed via the time for nitrogen oxides (NOX) in the
processing cost avoidances for Carrier Commission’s Web site at http:// Indiana State Implementation Plan
Route pieces on 5-Digit Carrier Route www.prc.gov. Interested persons may (SIP). On July 23, 2014, the Indiana
pallets. Id. The Petition states that the submit comments on the Petition and Department of Environmental
general architecture of the model is Proposal Eight no later than September Management (IDEM) submitted to EPA a
retained, but it is expanded to explicitly 8, 2015. Reply comments are due no revision to the daily NOX emissions
model the unique characteristics and later than September 22, 2015. Pursuant limits, changing from a rolling 24-hour
flows of Carrier Route flats. Id. to 39 U.S.C. 505, the Commission average to a 24-hour daily average.
The Petition further states that when designates Nina Yeh to serve as an IDEM provided an analysis showing that
a commercial mailer has at least 250 officer of the Commission (Public no significant increase in emissions will
pounds of Carrier Route mail Representative) representing the occur as a result of this change. EPA is
destinating in a 5-Digit or 5-Digit interests of the general public in this approving this SIP revision because it
Scheme (Labeling List L001) the proceeding. will not interfere with attainment or
customer can prepare a Carrier Route maintenance of the National Ambient
pallet. Preparation of a Carrier Route IV. Ordering Paragraphs
Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).
pallet enables the Postal Service to It is ordered: DATES: Comments must be received on
cross-dock the pallet directly to the 1. The Commission establishes Docket or before September 21, 2015.
delivery unit and bypass bundle No. RM2015–17 for consideration of the ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
sortation operations. Id. at 1–2. matters raised by the Petition of the
The structure and methodology used identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R05–
United States Postal Service Requesting OAR–2014–0660, by one of the
in estimating cost avoidances of Initiation of a Proceeding to Consider a
Standard Mail Flats provide estimates of following methods:
Proposed Change in Analytical 1. www.regulations.gov: Follow the
costs avoided for pieces prepared on Principles (Proposal Eight), filed August
Carrier Route pallets. Id. at 2. The Postal on-line instructions for submitting
5, 2015. comments.
Service explains that this model 2. Comments are due no later than 2. Email: blakley.pamela@epa.gov.
provides engineering cost estimates of September 8, 2015. Reply comments are 3. Fax: (312) 692–2450.
bundles and pieces based on the due no later than September 22, 2015. 4. Mail: Pamela Blakley, Chief,
preparation profile of pieces within 3. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, the Control Strategies Section, Air Programs
each rate element. Id. Commission appoints Nina Yeh to serve Branch (AR–18J), U.S. Environmental
The Postal Service states that as in the
as an officer of the Commission (Public Protection Agency, 77 West Jackson
model to estimate cost avoidances for
Representative) to represent the Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604.
Standard Mail Flats, the proposed
interests of the general public in this 5. Hand Delivery: Pamela Blakley,
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
1 Petition of the United States Postal Service for
docket. Chief, Control Strategies Section, Air
the Initiation of a Proceeding to Consider Proposed Programs Branch (AR–18J), U.S.
Changes in Analytical Principles (Proposal Eight), 3 Including all assumptions, for example the Environmental Protection Agency, 77
August 5, 2015 (Petition). bundle breakage rate. West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago,
2 Docket No. R2015–4, Order on Revised Price 4 The Postal Service cites to the Excel files
Illinois 60604. Such deliveries are only
Adjustments for Standard Mail, Periodicals and submitted with its petition in Docket No. RM2015–
Package Services Products and Related Mail 16, USPS–RM2015–16/1, August 5, 2015. Compare,
accepted during the Regional Office
Classification Changes, May 7, 2015, at 63 (Order e.g., File STD_FLATS_Order 2472.xlsx, tab CR normal hours of operation, and special
No. 2472). Pallet Model with tab 5D Auto Model Rev. arrangements should be made for
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:21 Aug 19, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\20AUP1.SGM 20AUP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_50750/page/2.svg)
Document Created: 2015-12-15 11:09:03
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 11:09:03
| 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 | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of proposed rulemaking. | |
| Dates | Comments are due: September 8, 2015. Reply Comments are due: September 22, 2015. | |
| Contact | David A. Trissell, General Counsel, at 202-789-6820. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 50589 |
2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR