Title 39 published on 2011-07-01
The following are only the Rules published in the Federal Register after the published date of Title 39.
For a complete list of all Rules, Proposed Rules, and Notices view the Rulemaking tab.
The Postal Service proposes to revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 507.5 and 508.7 to implement second phase of USPS Package Intercept TM service introducing an electronic process for Commercial customers requesting USPS Package Intercept and other related features.
On March 24, 2010, the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service adopted a number of amendments to the Board's Bylaws. These amendments revised and clarified the provisions concerning the election and terms of office of the Board Chairman and Vice-Chairman. The amendments also formalized the process for notation voting (voting by paper ballot) on routine or administrative matters. This final rule incorporates the changes adopted by the Board.
The Postal Service will revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 709.3 to add a new temporary promotion in the summer of 2012 for Presorted and automation First-Class Mail® cards, letters and flats, and Standard Mail® letters and flats bearing two-dimensional mobile barcodes or equivalent print technology.
The Commission is updating the market dominant and competitive product lists. This action reflects a publication policy adopted in a recent Commission order. The referenced policy assumes periodic updates. The updates are identified in the body of this document. The product lists, which are re-published in their entirety, include these updates.
The Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®) to incorporate a change concerning the requirements that a mailer must meet in order to qualify for a Global Expedited Package Services (GEPS) contract.
The Commission is adopting a new set of rules for appeals of post office closings. The new rules are intended to update existing rules; foster clarity and simplicity, especially in terms of requirements that apply to the public; and expedite the appeal process. The rules incorporate some, but not all, of the proposed rules, as well as some commenters' suggestions. Some proposals have been deferred to allow time for further consideration. Adoption of a new set of rules will improve the post office closing appeal process.
This rule establishes standards of qualification and responsibility for contractors employed by the Office of Inspector General. The rule also emphasizes consistency in contractor selection, and clarifies the OIG's exclusive authority to set qualifications and standards for its own contractors, as well as ensure the use of contracting best practices as established by the Federal Acquisition Regulations and other applicable sources in making contract awards.
The Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) throughout various sections to reflect price adjustments and mailing requirements changes associated with the October 2011 filing with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC).
The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®), to reflect changes to prices and mailing standards for the following Shipping Services: Express Mail®; Priority Mail®; First-Class Package Service TM ; Parcel Select®; Parcel Return Service; Mailer Services; and Recipient Services.
This rule clarifies the responsibility of the providers of Postage Evidencing Systems (PES) to safeguard customer information and maintain regulatory controls over agents operating third-party locations at domestic or international (off shore) facilities.
The Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®) throughout various Individual Country Listings (ICLs) to reflect price adjustments for First-Class Mail International® and extra services.
The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®), to reflect the prices, product features, and classification changes to Competitive Services, as established by the Governors of the Postal Service.
The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) throughout various sections to modify the policy for filing claims for domestic Express Mail® postage refunds from 90 days to 30 days after the date of mailing, and to change the Express Mail “waiver of signature” standard for domestic items by obtaining an addressee's signature only when the mailer selects the “signature required” option on the Express Mail label.
The Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 201.3.14, to provide new standards for folded self-mailers (FSM) and unenveloped mailpieces that are mailed at automation or machinable prices. To avoid confusion with revised standards for FSM mailpieces having loose enclosures, the Postal Service renames mailpieces that are designed to carry discs, and expands the standards that apply to tabs to include folded self-mailers.
The Commission is adopting a rule addressing reporting requirements for the measurement of the level of service the Postal Service provides in connection with Stamp Fulfillment Services following consideration of comments filed in response to a proposed rule. No commenter opposed the proposed rule. The final rule is therefore adopted as proposed. Adoption of this rule will foster greater transparency and accountability.
The Postal Service is amending its regulations to improve the administration of the Post Office closing and consolidation process. This final rule adopts changes to Postal Service regulations pertaining to the definition of “consolidation” and the staffing of Post Offices.
This rule adds a service standard for Stamp Fulfillment Services to the set of service standards for stand-alone market-dominant special services products set forth in our regulations.
The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) throughout various sections to require the use of an Intelligent Mail unique tracking barcode on all commercial parcels, except Standard Mail® parcels, claiming presort or destination entry pricing; to encourage use of IMpb unique tracking barcodes by providing end-to-end tracking including confirmation of delivery on all commercial parcels except Standard Mail and Package Services parcels; and to require the use of an IMpb on parcels bearing PC Postage®.
The Postal Service is withdrawing a final rule that would incorporate new maximum limits for the outbound mailing of lithium batteries to international, or APO, FPO or DPO locations. The Postal Service also withdraws the corresponding Code of Federal Regulations revision to reflect these new limits.
The Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM ® ) 508.4 to allow Post Office Box TM (PO Box TM ) fee groups to be merged due to Post Office TM mergers and to have the ability to change a fee group more than one higher or lower level at a time in limited circumstances.
The Postal Service is revising the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®) section 135.6, to incorporate new maximum limits for the outbound mailing of lithium batteries. This is consistent with recent amendments to the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Convention.
This rule amends the Postal Service's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance procedures to update an obsolete statutory reference.
This rule amends the Postal Service's regulations concerning tort claims to update the mailing address of the National Tort Center.
The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®), 401, 402, 433, 434, 435, 436, 503, 507, 602, and 705 to introduce a new competitive product called First-Class Package Service, which will replace and remove First-Class Mail® commercial base and commercial plus parcels from the market-dominant product offering. First-Class Mail retail single-piece parcels remain a market-dominant product offering.
The Postal Service announces the issuance of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®) dated April 17, 2011, updated with Postal Bulletin revisions through June 2, 2011, effective June 6, 2011, and its incorporation by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations.
The Postal Service announces the issuance of DMM 300, dated July 5, 2011, of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM ® ), and its incorporation by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations.
On July 14, 2011, the Postal Service published an amendment to the rules concerning the establishment, classification, and discontinuance of post offices. That rule contained certain incorrect internal cross-references, which are corrected by this further rulemaking.
The Postal Service TM is revising the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 508.4.6 to clarify eligibility, simplify the standards, and facilitate uniform administration for Group E (free) Post Office TM (PO) box service.
The Postal Service is amending 39 CFR part 241 to improve the administration of the Post Office closing and consolidation process. In addition, certain procedures employed for the discontinuance of Post Offices are applied to the discontinuance of other types of retail facilities operated by Postal Service employees.
The Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 604.4, 604.8, and 604.10, to implement revenue protection procedures for mailpieces entered with shortpaid and unpaid Information Based Indicia (IBI) postage payment and to implement revenue protection procedures for shortpaid Express Mail® postage.
The following are ALL rules, proposed rules, and notices (chronologically) published in the Federal Register relating to Title 39
The Postal Service proposes to revise various sections of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to set the timetable for discontinuing the use of POSTNET TM barcodes on all types of mail for price eligibility.
The Postal Service proposes to revise its regulations with regard to forfeiture authority and proceedings. These new provisions would implement specific requirements in compliance with the Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act (CAFRA) of 2000.
The Postal Service proposes to revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 707.6, to allow publishers who use electronic distribution methods to report such circulation as paid or requested distribution, as applicable.
The Commission is initiating a review to determine whether competitive products provide the appropriate minimum contribution to the Postal Service's institutional costs. This document invites comments to facilitate examination of this question.
The Commission is establishing a docket to consider new measurement of Flats Sequencing Systems operations, a change in the definition of certain MODS operations, modifications to flats cost models, modification of the mail processing cost model applicable to First-Class Mail presort letters, and modification of the Business Reply Mail cost model in periodic reporting of service performance measurement. Establishing this docket will allow the Commission to consider the Postal Service's proposal and comments from the public.
The Postal Service seeks public comment on proposed revisions to the service standards for market-dominant mail products. The most significant revision would largely eliminate overnight service for First-Class Mail.
The Postal Service is proposing an editorial revision of the rules governing the inventory control processes of Postage Evidencing Systems (PES) provided to customers by manufacturers or distributors. The proposed changes are intended to clarify the rules, and reflect a change in the name of the office responsible for enforcing them.
The Commission is establishing a docket in response to a Postal Service request for an informal rulemaking on proposed changes in certain analytical methods used in periodic reporting. The proposed changes affect Foreign Origin mail; Undeliverable As Addressed Parcel Select pieces; Express Mail; Standard Mail Presort Letters; Media Mail/Library Mail; Special Services; and Return Receipt. Establishing this docket will allow the Commission to consider the Postal Service's proposal and comments from the public.
In October 2011, the Postal Service filed a notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), effective on January 22, 2012. This proposed rule contains the revisions to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®) that would accompany the new prices.
In October 2011, the Postal Service filed a notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), effective on January 22, 2012. This proposed rule contains the revisions to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) that we would adopt to implement the changes coincident with the price adjustments.
The Postal Service is proposing to revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) throughout various sections to modify the policy for filing claims for domestic Express Mail® refunds from 90 days to 30 days after the date of mailing, and to change the Express Mail “waiver of signature” standard for domestic items by obtaining an addressee's signature only when the mailer selects the “signature required” option on the Express Mail label.
This document supplements a recently-issued proposed rulemaking on appeals of post office closings by eliminating a publication requirement and by making several minor conforming changes. Including these changes as part of the more comprehensive rulemaking promotes efficiency by allowing interested persons to address proposed changes in one filing. These changes affect only the Commission's general rules of practice and procedure. They do not affect any of the provisions in proposed new part 3025. Persons who need additional time to comment on the changes in this supplemental proposed rule may request additional time.
The Postal Service seeks public comment on a proposal to revise the service standard regulations contained in 39 CFR part 121. Among other things, the proposal involves eliminating the expectation of overnight service for First-Class Mail and Periodicals, and, for each of these classes, narrowing the two-day delivery range and enlarging the three-day delivery range. One major effect of the proposal would be to facilitate a significant consolidation of the Postal Service's processing and transportation networks.
The Commission is proposing rules addressing reporting requirements for the measurement of the level of service the Postal Service provides in connection with Stamp Fulfillment Services, through which it fills stamp and product orders received via mail, telephone, facsimile, or Internet at a dedicated fulfillment center. The proposed rules are intended to be consistent with recent Postal Service representations about proposed service standards, measurement methods, and reporting requirements. This document informs the public of the proposed rule and invites public comment.
This document proposes revisions to the Commission's rules for appeals of post office closings. The existing rules are unnecessarily complex and outmoded. The revisions update the rules and shorten the appeal process. They also provide a clearer explanation of the appeal process, of how to participate in that process, and of the nature of the Commission's review. The Commission invites comments on the proposed revisions.
The Commission is establishing a docket in response to a Postal Service request for an informal rulemaking on proposed changes in certain analytical methods used in periodic reporting. The proposed changes are identified as Proposals Four through Eight. They affect, respectively, Inbound International Mail; cost assignment of certain flat sorting operations; bias in mixed mail tallies; and Express Mail. Establishing this docket will allow the Commission to consider the Postal Service's proposal and comments from the public.
A Federal statute directs the Commission to implement a modern classification system. This proposal responds to that directive by presenting a comprehensive Mail Classification Schedule. Issuance of this document will allow the Commission to consider comments and, if appropriate, to make revisions prior to adoption of a final schedule.
The Postal Service proposes to revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 201.3.14 to provide standards for creating folded self-mailers (FSM) and other unenveloped mailpieces such as forms, statements, and official notices that will improve processing of these pieces on automated Postal processing equipment.
The Postal Service published in the Federal Register of July 12, 2011, a proposed rule pertaining to changes in Move Update standards, which established the comment period through August 11, 2011. This document extends the comment period.
The Postal Service proposes to revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to add 602.5.0 and 602.6.0, and to revise the Move Update standards regarding change of address orders, by including in the revised standards change of address notices filed by postal employees. The Postal Service also deletes multiple sections throughout the DMM to centralize Move Update and ZIP Code TM accuracy standards under section 602.
The Postal Service proposes to revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 508.4 to allow Post Office TM (PO) Box fee groups to be merged due to Post Office mergers and to have the ability to change a box fee group more than one higher or lower level at a time in limited circumstances.
The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 705.15 and 708.1.1 to provide a new option for mailers to combine Standard Mail® flats and Periodicals flats within the same bundle, when placed on pallets, and to combine bundles of Standard Mail flats and bundles of Periodicals flats on the same pallet. The Postal Service is also amending title 39, Code of Federal Regulations to reflect that the Standard Mail service standards apply to all Periodicals flats pieces entered in such combined mailings.
The Postal Service is revising portions of the rules of practice before the Postal Service Board of Contract Appeals to clarify existing procedures, and to modify certain citations to reflect a change in statutory codification.
The Postal Service is adopting revised rules for proceedings relative to false representation and lottery orders. The primary purpose of this exercise is to update the rules and align them with current practices.
The Postal Service is revising the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 709.4 to add a temporary promotion for First-Class Mail® cards, letters and flats, and Standard Mail® letters and flats bearing two-dimensional mobile barcodes.
The Commission is noticing a recently-filed Postal Service petition to initiate an informal rulemaking proceeding to consider changes in analytical principles. Proposal Three involves changes to the method by which unused stamp and meter revenue are allocated in its Revenue, Pieces, and Weight report. This notice informs the public of the filing, addresses preliminary procedural matters, and invites public comment.
The Postal Service is revising the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 503.8, to add a new extra service called Adult Signature. This new service has two available options: Adult Signature Required and Adult Signature Restricted Delivery.
The Commission is noticing a recently-filed Postal Service petition to initiate an informal rulemaking proceeding to consider changes in analytical principles. Proposal Two involves changes affecting cost models for evaluating competitive Negotiated Service Agreements. This notice informs the public of the filing, addresses preliminary procedural matters, and invites public comment.
The Postal Service is proposing to revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to require the use of a unique tracking barcode on all commercial parcels, except Standard Mail® parcels, claiming presort and destination entry pricing by January 2012; and to encourage use of unique tracking barcodes by providing free Delivery Confirmation® service on all commercial parcels except Standard Mail parcels.
The Commission is updating the postal product lists. This action reflects the disposition of recent dockets, as reflected in Commission orders, and a publication policy adopted in a recent Commission order. The referenced policy assumes periodic updates. The updates are identified in the body of this document. The product lists, which are re-published in their entirety, include these updates.
The Commission is establishing a docket to consider a proposed change in certain analytical methods used in periodic reporting. This action responds to a Postal Service rulemaking petition. Establishing this docket will allow the Commission to consider the Postal Service's proposal and comments from the public.
The Postal Service is revising the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 507.1.5.4 and 507.2.3.6 to eliminate the free local forwarding of Parcel Select® mailpieces and to eliminate the option to request discontinuance of forwarding. The Postal Service also implements a new price for Parcel Select forwards and returns; those pieces will now pay the applicable Parcel Select barcoded nonpresort price, plus an additional service fee.
The Postal Service will revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 709.1, to establish a new Negotiated Service Agreement (NSA) Market Dominant product for First-Class Mail® and Standard Mail® combined letter revenues.
This proposed rule would amend postal regulations to improve the administration of the Post Office closing and consolidation process. In addition, certain procedures employed for the discontinuance of Post Offices would be applied to the discontinuance of other types of retail facilities operated by Postal Service employees.
The Postal Service is withdrawing a final rule that would have provided a new option for mailers to combine mailings of Standard Mail ® flats and Periodicals flats within the same bundle, when placed on pallets, and to combine bundles of Standard Mail flats and bundles of Periodicals flats on the same pallet. The Postal Service also withdraws the Code of Federal Regulations revision to reflect that Standard Mail service standards apply to all Periodicals flats pieces entered in such combined mailings.
The Postal Service is proposing to revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 705.14 and 708.1.1 to provide a new option for mailers to combine Standard Mail® flats and Periodicals flats within the same bundle, when placed on pallets, and to combine bundles of Standard Mail flats and bundles of Periodicals flats on the same pallet. The Postal Service also proposes to revise section 121.2 of title 39, Code of Federal Regulations to reflect that the Standard Mail service standards apply to all Periodicals flats pieces entered in such combined mailings.
The Postal Service is amending the rules of practice of the Office of the Judicial Officer to clarify that parties may submit arguments as well as sworn statements in support of their claims to disputed mail. In addition, the rules are being amended to clarify some provisions and update obsolete language.
The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®), to introduce a new competitive shipping option, Parcel Select Regional Ground TM service.
The Postal Service is proposing to adopt revised rules for proceedings relative to false representation and lottery orders. The primary purpose of this exercise is to update and align the rules with current practices.
The Postal Service is proposing to revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to change the preparation requirements for mail entered at origin, either as an entire mailing or as the residual volume for plant verified drop shipment (PVDS) mailings.
In this NPRM, PHMSA is proposing to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations to require each person ( i.e., carrier or facility) who engages in cargo tank loading or unloading operations to perform a risk assessment of the loading and unloading operation and develop and implement safe operating procedures based upon the results of the risk assessment. The proposed operational procedures include requirements to address several aspects of loading and unloading, including provisions for facilities to develop maintenance testing programs for transfer equipment ( i.e., hose maintenance programs) used to load or unload cargo tank motor vehicles (CTMVs). In addition, PHMSA is proposing to require each employee who engages in cargo tank loading or unloading operations to receive training and be evaluated on the employee's qualifications to perform loading or unloading functions. PHMSA is proposing these amendments to reduce the risk associated with the loading and unloading of cargo tank motor vehicles that contain hazardous materials.
The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service , Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 705.14 and 708.1.1 to provide a new option for mailers to combine Standard Mail® flats and Periodicals flats within the same bundle, when placed on pallets, and to combine bundles of Standard Mail flats and bundles of Periodicals flats on the same pallet. The Postal Service is also amending the Code of Federal Regulations to reflect that the Standard Mail service standards apply to all Periodicals flats pieces entered in such combined mailings.
On November 19, 2009, the Postal Service published a proposed rule to revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service , Domestic Mail Manual to implement revenue protection procedures for shortpaid and unpaid Information Based Indicia (IBI) postage. Comments on that proposed rule requested more detailed information on the automated procedures the Postal Service will use to identify and verify shortpaid and unpaid IBI postage payment and the resolution process that will be used to remedy deficiencies. This revised proposal provides the more detailed information to DMM sections 604.4, 604.8, and 604.10. In addition, this revised proposal includes proposed mailing standards to implement revenue protection procedures for shortpaid Express Mail® postage.
The Postal Service is revising the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 608.2.4 to require all mailpieces containing goods that enter the Customs Territory of the United States (CTUS), from outside the CTUS, to bear a customs declaration label. Additionally, the Postal Service updates the standards for items weighing 16 ounces or more when sent to, from, or between, and in some circumstances, within certain U.S. territories, possessions, and Freely Associated States.
The Commission is establishing a docket to consider certain temporary waivers from periodic reporting of service performance measurement. Establishing this docket will allow the Commission to consider the Postal Service's proposal and comments from the public.
The Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®) for Mailing Services. This price change correlates to the Postal Service's January 13, 2011 filing of Docket No. R2011-2, Notice of Price Adjustment, with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC).
The Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to revise pricing and eligibility standards for commercial First-Class Mail® parcels associated with the January 2011 Postal Service filing with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for Mailing Services. We also will implement changes previously proposed to eliminate the sale of Standard Mail® stamped envelopes.
The Commission is establishing a docket to consider a proposed change in certain analytical methods used in periodic reporting. The proposed change has two parts. One part would update the mail processing portion of the Parcel Select/Parcel Return Service cost models. The other part would modify the Parcel Select/Parcel Return Service transportation cost model. This action responds to a Postal Service rulemaking petition. Establishing this docket will allow the Commission to consider the Postal Service's proposal and comments from the public.
