Tests Will Help Improve Flat Sorting Efficiency And Will Result in Reduced Costs and Better Service

Both the Postal Service and the mailing industry recognize the need for flat-sized mail preparation that best supports current and future flats processing methods, and that will improve flat sorting efficiency, resulting in reduced costs and better service.

Efforts are underway to help achieve that goal. Beginning March 31 and continuing through June 30, 2001, Periodicals mailers will have the opportunity to participate in a limited, alternative flats preparation test.

The test will determine if the proposed preparation is compatible with Postal Service transportation and automated flats processing methods.

The 90-day test will apply to mail that meets the FSM881 automation-compatible standards as described in Domestic Mail Manual C820.2, including the polywrap requirements in DMM C820.4 (if applicable).

Participants must prepare flat mail loose on 5-digit/scheme pallets for auto zones, 3-digit pallets and SCF pallets for four test sites.

The mail must be destined for either Carol Stream, Ill., Kansas City, Mo., Royal Oak, Mich., or Washington, D.C. These sites have been chosen based on destinating volumes reported by mailers and the number of AFSM 100 units at those plants.

A USPS employee from the Detached Mail Unit (DMU) will perform normal verification procedures. A team of postal and industry representatives will evaluate the findings, including Postal Service and participant costs, and savings and service impacts, and will prepare a written report describing the findings and making future recommendations.

Existing DMM preparation requirements will remain in effect for all other test participants’ mail — for example, 5-digit/scheme pallets to non-auto zones, merged 5-digit/scheme pallets and ADC-level pallets.

Flats must be prepared using one of the containerization methods described in detail in Postal Bulletin 22044 dated February 22, 2001.

Participants will be required to provide the USPS with Mail.dat files for all test mailings (based on existing mail preparation requirements) no less than seven days prior to mail arriving at the destination facility.

The mail must be securely loaded on the pallets so that the integrity of the mail is maintained throughout shipment and processing.

For each pallet in the test, participants must complete two placards (labels) provided by the Postal Service to identify the mail as “test” mail. These labels should be affixed to the pallet adjacent to each of the normal pallet labels required under current DMM standards.

Prior to the start of the test, participants will be asked to provide a three-month average of volume by pallet and prosort level for analysis. This data will be used as a gauge to establish the baseline data for the test.

Flat mailpieces bearing correct and properly prepared ZIP+4 Codes or delivery point barcodes may be prepared and claimed at the automation flats rates, provided the "test" mail meets the requirements outlined in Postal Bulletin 22044 dated February 22, 2001.

-Mail Preparation and Standards