The following changes to the Domestic Mail Manual are incorporated into the online version available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.
DMM Revisions
DSF² and eLOT — Carrier Route Products
Effective December 11, 2003, DMM A950.1.3, M050.2.2, M050.2.4, and M050.3.1 were revised to update information for the following two Address Information System (AIS) products: Delivery Sequence File, Second Generation (DSF²) and enhanced Line-of-Travel (eLOT).
DSF² is a licensed address-hygiene product that contains information on all addresses — except general delivery addresses — served by the Postal Service. DSF² includes the ZIP Code, ZIP+4 code, carrier route code, walk-sequence information, and all other delivery attributes related to each specific address.
DSF² is one of the approved methods under DMM M050.2.2 for preparing mail to meet the walk-sequence criteria required for carrier route Periodicals mailpieces and Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail pieces mailed at high density and saturation rates.
Walk sequence is the exact order in which a carrier delivers mail from one delivery point to the next. As provided in DMM M050.2.4, walk sequence may also be used, at the mailer’s option, to satisfy the LOT sequencing criteria required for carrier route Periodicals mailpieces and Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail pieces mailed at basic rates.
The DSF² product is updated monthly and is available through Postal Service-approved licensees. A current list of these licensees is maintained at www.ribbs.gov and can also be obtained from:
NATIONAL CUSTOMER
SUPPORT CENTER
US POSTAL SERVICE
6060 PRIMACY PKWY STE 201
MEMPHIS TN 38188-0001
Telephone: 800-238-3150
The eLOT product is a computerized file that contains address information that allows a mailer to arrange mail in a carrier’s line of delivery travel. This LOT is not the exact walk sequence from one delivery point to the next, but rather a series of ZIP+4 codes arranged in the order that the carrier serves the route. Before address lists can be processed using eLOT, they must first be processed through CASS-certified ZIP+4 address-matching software.
The eLOT product is a method under DMM M050.2.4 to meet the LOT sequence criteria required for carrier route Periodicals pieces and Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail pieces mailed at basic rates. Mailers also have the option to prepare such mail in walk sequence, using the various available walk-sequence methods.
The eLot product is updated monthly and is available for purchase directly from the National Customer Support Center.
DMM Revisions
HAZMAT Endorsements
Effective January 1, 2004, new mailing standards for hazardous material went into effect. For Standard Mail containing hazardous material, “Change Service Requested” is not permitted. Standard Mail containing hazardous material must bear the endorsement “Address Service Requested,” “Forwarding Service Requested,” or “Return Service Requested.” For Package Services Mail, “Change Service Requested” is not permitted. All other endorsements are permitted but not required.
In addition, effective January 1, 2004, all diagnostic specimen mailpieces using a business reply mail format and all medical waste mailpieces (including sharps) using a merchandise return service format must meet the new packaging requirements for diagnostic specimens.
Parcel Barcodes for Package Services Discount Mailings
Efficient parcel processing is now the standard with the UCC/EAN Code 128 barcode symbology. Beginning January 10, 2004, customers must use this type of barcode format on all Package Services parcels to receive the 3¢ discount under DMM C850.
The UCC/EAN Code 128 barcode improves accuracy and service by reducing manual processing. It also provides the following features:
The UCC/EAN Code 128 barcode is commonly used in the global supply chain, which suggests data capture capabilities internationally — especially for Special Services products.
Mailing Hazardous Materials
Mailing hazardous materials can be challenging to any business or individual. Hazardous materials are defined as “any article or substance designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as being capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property during transportation.”
Postal Service standards for mailing hazardous materials are located in DMM C023. Additional guidelines and information are in Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail. The mailing rules generally adhere to the DOT federal regulations for transporting hazardous materials in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, but also include many additional limitations and prohibitions. These additional restrictions and limitations exist for safety and legal reasons. Safety to the general public, our postal employees, our valued customers, facilities and equipment is of primary concern to the Postal Service.
Generally, the mailing of hazardous materials is limited to ORM-D materials having the proper shipping name of “consumer commodity” and that meet USPS quantity limitations and packaging requirements. An “ORM-D” material is a limited quantity of a hazardous material that presents a limited hazard during transportation due to its form, quantity, and packaging. A consumer commodity is a hazardous material that is packaged and distributed in a quantity and form intended or suitable for retail sale and designed for consumption by individuals for their personal care or household use.
In determining the mailability of hazardous materials, the mailer needs to review the product’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The MSDS form can be obtained through the manufacturer. The MSDS provides important information such as the flashpoint, name of material and assigned United Nations (UN) or North America (NA) identification number, chemical composition by percentage of ingredient, and first aid measures.
Having obtained the MSDS, you can find out if the material is mailable and under what conditions and packaging requirements by accessing DMM C023 and Publication 52 online at www.usps.com.
The mailer may also fax a copy of the MSDS to their rates and classification service center (RCSC). The RCSCs are staffed with specialists to answer an array of mailing standards questions, including questions about hazardous materials. RCSC contact information is listed in DMM G042.
If you need additional assistance please contact your local post office or district business mail entry office.
Remember, safety first, and, by law, the responsibility for properly declaring, packaging, and labeling all hazardous materials is the sole responsibility of the mailer.
Double Post Cards
Recently, questions have been raised concerning “double post cards” eligible for the First-Class Mail card rates.
A double post card, as described in DMM C100.2.9, consists of two attached post cards, one of which is for the transmission of information from the addressee back to the sender. Each card is subject to the card rate; however, postage need not be paid for the reply portion until it is detached and mailed as a reply piece.
Plain stickers, seals, or a single wire stitch (staple) may be used to fasten the open edge at the top or bottom once the card is folded if affixed so that the inner surfaces of the cards can be readily examined. Fasteners must be affixed according to the applicable preparation requirements for the rates claimed. Such cards may not be sealed against postal inspection. Thus, any sealing on the left and right sides of the cards, no matter the sealing process used, is not permitted by postal standards.
The lower First-Class Mail rate for postal and post cards was established to accommodate mailers that desire to send a single “visible” message without an envelope. Thus, the “second portion” of a double post card may not be used to convey a message to the original addressee or to send statements of account. It may be designed only for reply purposes. When mailers use the second or reply half of a double post card to convey a separate message to the original addressee, whether advertising or matter other than advertising, the card is properly chargeable at the First-Class Mail letter rate. It is for these reasons that, unlike First-Class Mail letter rate mail, such mailpieces may not be sealed against postal inspection.