83 FR 34806 - POSTNET Barcode
POSTAL SERVICE Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 141 (July 23, 2018)
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 141 (July 23, 2018)
| Page Range | 34806-34807 | |
| FR Document | 2018-15549 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 141 (Monday, July 23, 2018)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 34806-34807] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-15549] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- POSTAL SERVICE 39 CFR Part 111 POSTNET Barcode AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM. ACTION: Proposed rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Postal Service is proposing an amendment of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual, (DMM[reg]) to remove all references to the POSTNETTM barcode. DATES: Submit comments on or before August 22, 2018. ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to ProductClassification@usps.gov, with a subject line of ``POSTNET.'' Faxed comments are not accepted. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS[reg] Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., by calling 202-268- 2906. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lizbeth Dobbins at (202) 268-3789 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7261. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On March 2, 2012, the Postal Service published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (77 FR 12764-12769) to discontinue automation price eligibility for POSTNET barcodes. This was followed by publication of a final rule in the Federal Register (77 FR 26185-26191) on May 3, 2012. Effective January 27, 2013, the Postal Service revised the DMM throughout various sections to discontinue automation price eligibility based on the use of POSTNET barcodes on all types of mail. However, while the use of the POSTNET barcode was discontinued for price eligibility, the Postal Service continued to allow the use of the POSTNET barcode to qualify for certain Business Reply Mail[reg] prices and in other circumstances. The DMM therefore retained language referring to POSTNET barcodes. Proposal As a result, after discussion with the mailing industry the Postal Service is proposing to remove all references to the POSTNET barcode from the DMM. This decision was based on the limited use of the POSTNET barcode and the need to simplify the standards in regards to barcoding letter-size and flat-size mailpieces. The Postal Service will continue to process mailpieces with a POSTNET barcode to accommodate customers who may have preprinted stock bearing a POSTNET barcode. Although exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(b), (c)) regarding proposed rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), the Postal Service invites public 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 111.1. We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to reflect these changes. Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is proposed to be amended as follows: List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111 Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service. PART 111--[AMENDED] 0 1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as follows: [[Page 34807]] 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 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 Letters, Cards, Flats, and Parcels * * * * * 202 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece * * * * * 5.0 Barcode Placement Letters and Flats 5.1 Letter-Size * * * * * 5.1.4 Additional Barcode Permissibility [Revise the text of 5.1.4 to read as follows:] An automation letter or a letter claimed at Enhanced Carrier Route saturation or high density automation letter prices may not bear a 5- digit or ZIP+4 Intelligent Mail barcode in the lower right corner (barcode clear zone). The piece may bear an additional Intelligent Mail barcode in the address block only if a qualifying Intelligent Mail barcode with a delivery point routing code appears in the lower right corner. * * * * * 5.2 Flat-Size 5.2.1 Barcode Placement for Flats [Revise the fifth sentence of 5.2.1 to read as follows:] * * * An additional Intelligent Mail barcode may also appear in the address block of an automation flat, when the qualifying Intelligent Mail barcode is not in the address block. * * * * * * * * 6.0 Barcode Placement for Parcels * * * * * [Revise the heading and text of 6.3 to read as follows:] 6.3 Intelligent Mail Barcodes Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMb) do not meet barcode eligibility requirements for parcels and do not qualify for any barcode-related prices for parcels, but one barcode may be included only in the address block on a parcel, except on eVS parcels. An Intelligent Mail barcode in the address block must be placed according to 5.3. * * * * * 8.0 Facing Identification Mark (FIM) * * * * * 8.2 Pattern [Revise the third sentence in the introductory text of 8.2 to read as follows:] * * * The required FIM pattern as shown in Exhibit 8.2.0 below depends on the type of mail and the presence of an Intelligent Mail barcode as follows: * * * * * 204 Barcode Standards Overview [Revise the link heading under ``Overview'' to read as follows:] 1.0 Standards for Intelligent Mail Barcodes * * * * * [Revise the heading of 1.0 to read as follows:] 1.0 Standards for Intelligent Mail Barcodes 1.1 General [Revise the text of 1.1 to read as follows:] An Intelligent Mail barcode is a USPS-developed method to encode ZIP Code information on mail that can be read for sorting by automated machines. Intelligent Mail barcodes also encode other tracking information. [Delete 1.2, POSTNET Barcode, in its entirety and renumber 1.3 through 1.6 as 1.2 through 1.5.] * * * * * 507 Mailer Services * * * * * 4.0 Address Correction Services * * * * * 4.2 Address Change Service (ACS) * * * * * 4.2.6 Additional Standards--When Using Intelligent Mail Barcodes * * * Mailpieces must meet the following specifications: * * * * * [Revise the text of item b to read as follows:] b. Flat-size mailpieces may be mailed at nonautomation or automation prices. * * * * * 600 Basic Standards For All Mailing Services * * * * * 604 Postage Payment Methods and Refunds * * * * * 4.0 Postage Meters and PC Postage Products (``Postage Evidencing Systems'') * * * * * 4.3 Postage Payment * * * * * 4.3.3 Placement of Postage * * * When placing indicia on mailpieces, position indicia at least \1/4\ inch from the right edge of the mailpiece and \1/4\ inch from the top edge of the mailpiece and as follows: * * * * * [Revise the text of item e to read as follows:] e. Do not allow the indicia to infringe on the areas reserved for the FIM, Intelligent Mail barcode, or optical character reader (OCR) clear zone. * * * * * Index * * * * * P * * * * * [Delete the ``POSTNET'' line item in the Index.] * * * * * Ruth Stevenson, Attorney, Federal Compliance. [FR Doc. 2018-15549 Filed 7-20-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710-12-P
![34806 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 141 / Monday, July 23, 2018 / Proposed Rules
www.regulations.gov, contact the person (2) This safety zone is closed to all FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION vessel traffic, except as may be Lizbeth Dobbins at (202) 268–3789 or
CONTACT section of this document for permitted by the Captain of the Port Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268–7261.
alternate instructions. Buffalo or his designated on-scene SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
We accept anonymous comments. All representative.
comments received will be posted (3) The ‘‘on-scene representative’’ of Background
without change to http:// the Captain of the Port Buffalo is any On March 2, 2012, the Postal Service
www.regulations.gov and will include Coast Guard commissioned, warrant or published a proposed rule in the
any personal information you have petty officer who has been designated Federal Register (77 FR 12764–12769)
provided. For more about privacy and by the Captain of the Port Buffalo to act to discontinue automation price
the docket, visit http:// on his behalf. eligibility for POSTNET barcodes. This
www.regulations.gov/privacyNotice. (4) Vessel operators desiring to enter was followed by publication of a final
Documents mentioned in this NPRM or operate within the safety zone must rule in the Federal Register (77 FR
as being available in the docket, and all contact the Captain of the Port Buffalo 26185–26191) on May 3, 2012.
public comments, will be in our online or his on-scene representative to obtain Effective January 27, 2013, the Postal
docket at http://www.regulations.gov permission to do so. The Captain of the Service revised the DMM throughout
and can be viewed by following that Port Buffalo or his on-scene various sections to discontinue
website’s instructions. Additionally, if representative may be contacted via automation price eligibility based on the
you go to the online docket and sign up VHF Channel 16. Vessel operators given use of POSTNET barcodes on all types
for email alerts, you will be notified permission to enter or operate in the of mail. However, while the use of the
when comments are posted or a final safety zone must comply with all POSTNET barcode was discontinued for
rule is published. directions given to them by the Captain price eligibility, the Postal Service
of the Port Buffalo, or his on-scene continued to allow the use of the
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165 POSTNET barcode to qualify for certain
representative.
Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation Business Reply Mail® prices and in
(water), Reporting and recordkeeping Dated: July 17, 2018. other circumstances. The DMM
requirements, Security measures, Joseph S. Dufresne, therefore retained language referring to
Waterways. Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the POSTNET barcodes.
Port Buffalo.
For the reasons discussed in the Proposal
preamble, the Coast Guard proposes to [FR Doc. 2018–15672 Filed 7–20–18; 8:45 am]
As a result, after discussion with the
amend 33 CFR part 165 as follows: BILLING CODE 9110–04–P
mailing industry the Postal Service is
PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION proposing to remove all references to
AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS the POSTNET barcode from the DMM.
POSTAL SERVICE This decision was based on the limited
■ 1. The authority citation for part 165 use of the POSTNET barcode and the
continues to read as follows: 39 CFR Part 111 need to simplify the standards in
Authority: Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50
regards to barcoding letter-size and flat-
POSTNET Barcode size mailpieces.
U.S.C. 191; 33 CFR 1.05–1, 6.04–1, 6.04–6,
and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security The Postal Service will continue to
AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM.
Delegation No. 0170.1. process mailpieces with a POSTNET
ACTION: Proposed rule. barcode to accommodate customers who
■ 2. Add § 165.T09–0683 to read as may have preprinted stock bearing a
follows: SUMMARY: The Postal Service is
POSTNET barcode.
proposing an amendment of the Mailing Although exempt from the notice and
§ 165.T09–0683 Safety Zone; Great Lakes Standards of the United States Postal
Offshore Grand Prix; Lake Erie, Dunkirk, comment requirements of the
Service, Domestic Mail Manual, Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C.
NY.
(DMM®) to remove all references to the 553(b), (c)) regarding proposed
(a) Location. The safety zone will POSTNETTM barcode.
encompass all waters of Lake Erie, rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), the
DATES: Submit comments on or before Postal Service invites public comments
Dunkirk,
NY starting at position 42°29′37.7″ N, August 22, 2018. on the following proposed revisions to
079°21′17.7″ W then Northwest to ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written Mailing Standards of the United States
42°29′45.2″ N, 079°21′28.2″ W then comments to the manager, Product Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual
Northeast to 42°30′15.0″ N, 079°21′20.0″ Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 (DMM), incorporated by reference in the
W then Northeast to 42°30′39.0″ N, L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Code of Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR
079°19′46.0″ W then Southeast to Washington, DC 20260–5015. If sending 111.1.
42°30′09.3″ N, 079°19′03.1″ W. comments by email, include the name We will publish an appropriate
(b) Enforcement Period. This rule is and address of the commenter and send amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to reflect
effective from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. to ProductClassification@usps.gov, with these changes.
on August 19, 2018 with a rain date of a subject line of ‘‘POSTNET.’’ Faxed Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is
August 18, 2018. comments are not accepted. proposed to be amended as follows:
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS1
(c) Regulations. You may inspect and photocopy all List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111
(1) In accordance with the general written comments, by appointment
Administrative practice and
regulations in § 165.23 of this part, entry only, at USPS® Headquarters Library,
procedure, Postal Service.
into, transiting, or anchoring within this 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor
safety zone is prohibited unless North, Washington, DC, 20260. These PART 111—[AMENDED]
authorized by the Captain of the Port records are available for review on
Buffalo or his designated on-scene Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., ■ 1. The authority citation for 39 CFR
representative. by calling 202–268–2906. part 111 continues to read as follows:
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 141 / Monday, July 23, 2018 / Proposed Rules 34807
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 13 U.S.C. 301– eVS parcels. An Intelligent Mail barcode 604 Postage Payment Methods and
307; 18 U.S.C. 1692–1737; 39 U.S.C. 101, in the address block must be placed Refunds
401, 403, 404, 414, 416, 3001–3011, 3201– according to 5.3.
3219, 3403–3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, * * * * *
3633, and 5001. * * * * *
4.0 Postage Meters and PC Postage
■2. Revise the Mailing Standards of the 8.0 Facing Identification Mark (FIM) Products (‘‘Postage Evidencing
United States Postal Service, Domestic * * * * * Systems’’)
Mail Manual (DMM) as follows: * * * * *
8.2 Pattern
Mailing Standards of the United States 4.3 Postage Payment
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual [Revise the third sentence in the
(DMM) introductory text of 8.2 to read as * * * * *
follows:]
* * * * * * * * The required FIM pattern as 4.3.3 Placement of Postage
200 Commercial Mail Letters, Cards, shown in Exhibit 8.2.0 below depends * * * When placing indicia on
Flats, and Parcels on the type of mail and the presence of mailpieces, position indicia at least 1⁄4
an Intelligent Mail barcode as follows: inch from the right edge of the
* * * * * * * * * * mailpiece and 1⁄4 inch from the top edge
202 Elements on the Face of a of the mailpiece and as follows:
204 Barcode Standards
Mailpiece * * * * *
Overview [Revise the text of item e to read as
* * * * *
[Revise the link heading under follows:]
5.0 Barcode Placement Letters and ‘‘Overview’’ to read as follows:] e. Do not allow the indicia to infringe
Flats on the areas reserved for the FIM,
1.0 Standards for Intelligent Mail Intelligent Mail barcode, or optical
5.1 Letter-Size Barcodes character reader (OCR) clear zone.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
5.1.4 Additional Barcode [Revise the heading of 1.0 to read as
Index
Permissibility follows:]
* * * * *
[Revise the text of 5.1.4 to read as 1.0 Standards for Intelligent Mail
follows:] Barcodes P
An automation letter or a letter 1.1 General * * * * *
claimed at Enhanced Carrier Route [Delete the ‘‘POSTNET’’ line item in
saturation or high density automation [Revise the text of 1.1 to read as
the Index.]
letter prices may not bear a 5-digit or follows:]
An Intelligent Mail barcode is a * * * * *
ZIP+4 Intelligent Mail barcode in the
lower right corner (barcode clear zone). USPS-developed method to encode ZIP Ruth Stevenson,
The piece may bear an additional Code information on mail that can be Attorney, Federal Compliance.
Intelligent Mail barcode in the address read for sorting by automated machines.
[FR Doc. 2018–15549 Filed 7–20–18; 8:45 am]
block only if a qualifying Intelligent Intelligent Mail barcodes also encode
BILLING CODE 7710–12–P
Mail barcode with a delivery point other tracking information.
routing code appears in the lower right [Delete 1.2, POSTNET Barcode, in its
corner. entirety and renumber 1.3 through 1.6
POSTAL SERVICE
as 1.2 through 1.5.]
* * * * *
* * * * * 39 CFR Part 111
5.2 Flat-Size
507 Mailer Services New Mailing Standards for
5.2.1 Barcode Placement for Flats
* * * * * Merchandise Return Service
[Revise the fifth sentence of 5.2.1 to
read as follows:] 4.0 Address Correction Services AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM.
* * * An additional Intelligent Mail * * * * * ACTION: Proposed rule.
barcode may also appear in the address
4.2 Address Change Service (ACS) SUMMARY: The Postal Service is
block of an automation flat, when the
proposing to revise Mailing Standards
qualifying Intelligent Mail barcode is * * * * *
of the United States Postal Service,
not in the address block. * * *
4.2.6 Additional Standards—When Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to
* * * * * Using Intelligent Mail Barcodes provide for new procedures for the
6.0 Barcode Placement for Parcels * * * Mailpieces must meet the processing and rating of Merchandise
following specifications: Return Service (MRS) pieces, and in the
* * * * * future, to transition all current MRS
[Revise the heading and text of 6.3 to * * * * *
[Revise the text of item b to read as permit holders to use the new
read as follows:]
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS1
follows:] procedures.
6.3 Intelligent Mail Barcodes b. Flat-size mailpieces may be mailed DATES: Submit comments on or before
Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMb) do not at nonautomation or automation prices. August 22, 2018.
meet barcode eligibility requirements * * * * * ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written
for parcels and do not qualify for any comments to the manager, Product
barcode-related prices for parcels, but 600 Basic Standards For All Mailing Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475
one barcode may be included only in Services L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446,
the address block on a parcel, except on * * * * * Washington, DC 20260–5015. If sending
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Document Created: 2018-07-21 00:49:14
Document Modified: 2018-07-21 00:49:14
| 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 | Proposed rule. | |
| Dates | Submit comments on or before August 22, 2018. | |
| Contact | Lizbeth Dobbins at (202) 268-3789 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7261. | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 34806 | |
| CFR Associated | Administrative Practice and Procedure and Postal Service |
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