The following revisions to the Domestic Mail Manual will be incorporated into the printed version of DMM 58 and into the monthly update on the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Business Reply Mail Window Envelopes

Effective November 28, 2002, DMM S922.4.5 is revised to allow the “No Postage Necessary” imprint, the business reply legend, and the horizontal bars required on business reply mail items to be printed on an insert appearing through an address window. Before this revision, DMM S922.4.5 required the “No Postage Necessary” imprint, the business reply legend, the horizontal bars, and the facing identification mark (FIM) to be printed directly on the envelope.

This revision allows more flexibility in the design of business reply mail pieces.

Strapping Materials on Pallets

Effective May 30, 2003, the standards in DMM M041 for securing pallets of mail, whether an individual pallet of mail, a pallet composed of several individual pallets stacked to form a single unit, or a pallet with a pallet box containing mail, are revised by excluding the use of metal strapping or metal banding material.

These revisions also exclude metal buckles, seals, or other devices used to secure the ends of nonmetal strapping material used on pallets of mail. These revisions will not change current approved methods or other materials for securing the mail to pallets.

Additional Placement Option for Address Change Service Participant Code on Flats

Effective January 9, 2003, DMM M013 is revised to allow placement of an Address Change Service (ACS) participant code on flat-size mailpieces directly above the address and below the ancillary service endorsement when the endorsement is located directly above the address block. This optional location previously was limited to letter-size pieces (see Postal Bulletin 22086). The addition of flat-size pieces allows more mailers to participate in the ACS program.

Mailers are reminded that the only ancillary service endorsements permitted with ACS are “Address Service Requested” and “Change Service Requested.” For information on ACS, go to www.usps.com and click on Address Quality, then Address Management Services, or call the National Customer Support Center at 800-238-3150.

Change in Administrative Charges for Refunds of Unused Meter Stamps and Returned Business Reply Mail Mailpieces With Postage Affixed

Effective January 1, 2003, DMM P014 is revised and updated to add the administrative charges for processing refunds for unused meter stamps and business reply mail (BRM) pieces returned with postage affixed.

The Postal Service has provisions in place to process refunds for unused metered postage, as well as for postage affixed to returned BRM pieces. To cover the costs of the Postal Service labor used to process such requests for refunds, the Postal Service is reducing the amount of the refund by an administrative charge. The current charges reflect old labor costs, which have not been updated for more than 20 years. These amendments will update the charges to better reflect current hourly labor costs (including benefits).

For metered postage refunds, the current charge is calculated as 10 percent of the face value of the indicia, if that value is $250 or less. If the face value of the indicia is more than $250, the current charge is $10 per hour, with a minimum charge of $25. This new change will charge 10 percent for values up to $350, and charge $35 per hour for values above $350, with a minimum of $35. Thus, there would be no change in the charge for indicia values up to $250, an increase from $25 to 10 percent of the face value for values between $250 and $350, and if up to an hour is required, an increase from $25 to $35 for greater indicia values. When more than 1 hour of processing time is needed, the increase will vary depending on the time required.

For BRM with affixed postage, the current administrative charge is $15 per hour. The new change will increase that charge to $35 per hour, reflecting current labor costs for processing the refund request.

While these charges will increase customer costs for obtaining a refund, the increases are needed so that the Postal Service can cover the costs of providing the refund.

The separate treatment in P014.2.6 of unused metered indicia printed by PC Postage products reflects the different refund procedures for this type of postage.

“Any Service Member” Mail - Prohibited

This is a reminder that the “Any Service Member” program was suspended indefinitely by the Department of Defense since October 2001. Mailers are reminded that such mail is prohibited and that the Department of Defense cancelled the Any Service Member program because of the concerns and risk of mail being introduced into the military mail system from sources unknown to the recipients.

The Postal Service and the Department of Defense recognize the interest in supporting active members of the armed services, and addressing of mail to the men and women of the armed forces in foreign locations (APO/FPO) must comply with DMM A010.6.1, Overseas Address. The delivery line (i.e., the second line from the bottom in the address) must show one of the following: ship name, unit number, CMR or PSC number, and box number if assigned. The last line must contain the APO and FPO designation and the appropriate two-letter “state” abbreviation (AA, AE, or AP), followed by the 5-digit ZIP Code or ZIP+4. In addition, addresses must include the name of the addressee as follows:

      a. Mail addressed to Army personnel must show grade; full name, including first name
          and middle name or initial; and unit number.
      b. Mail addressed to Air Force personnel must show grade; full name, including first
          name and middle name or initial; and PSC or unit number.
      c. Mail addressed to Navy and Marine Corps personnel must show rank or rating; full
          name, including first name and middle name or initial; and PSC number for
          shore-based units, or ship name.
      d. Mail sent to dependents residing in overseas areas must be addressed in care of
          the sponsor.

Customers and employees have other options for supporting our troops:

• Send an e-mail greeting through www.operationdearabby.net.
• Sign a virtual thank you card at www.defendamerica.mil.
• Donate a calling card to help keep service members in touch with their families through Operation Uplink at www.operationuplink.org.

The Department of Defense also recommends volunteering at veterans’ hospitals or other military support organizations.