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TRAY PREPARATION OPTIONS EXPANDED FOR PERIODICALS MACHINABLE FLATS

Since October 2005, Periodicals mailers have had the option to prepare mailings consisting of barcoded and nonbarcoded “machinable” flats (i.e., automated flat sorting machine 100-compatible mailpieces), in area distribution center (ADC), origin mixed ADC and mixed ADC trays.  Effective Sept. 13, this option was expanded to allow all Periodicals barcoded and nonbarcoded machinable flats to be prepared in trays. Expanding this option to all presorts levels can make mail preparation easier and improve service.

Bundle preparation of flats in any tray level is not permitted unless it achieves a finer presort level than the presort destination of the tray. For example, six pieces to a 5-digit scheme or individual 5-digit ZIP Code may be bundled when placed into a 3-digit, ADC, origin mixed ADC or mixed ADC tray. Mailers are reminded that since July 15, piece rates for Periodicals mail are based on the presort level of the bundle, or if unbundled (stacked loose in trays), the presort level of the tray. Just as with sacks, 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, 3-digit, sectional center facility and ADC trays can be prepared only when there are at least 24 pieces to a presort level. Pieces prepared in bundles are subject to the appropriate bundle rates, and pieces grouped (stacked unbundled) in trays are not subject to bundle rates, only the appropriate container rates.

Within each tray, mailpieces not prepared in bundles must be “grouped” by 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, 3-digit scheme, 3-digit and ADC, as appropriate. With the exception of origin mixed ADC and mixed ADC, all trays must contain a minimum of 24 pieces and “overflow trays” are not permitted.

Each tray must be covered and secured with two straps. Trays must bear pink (Periodicals) 2-inch tray labels, and trays containing barcoded-rate machinable flats must bear barcoded tray labels prepared according to Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 708.6.0. Barcodes on tray labels must represent the three numeric elements: 5-digit ZIP Code of the tray, 3-digit content identifier number and the 2-digit processing code “01.”

For additional information, see the Aug. 30 Postal Bulletin. Periodicals mailers with questions regarding this new option should contact the Post Office where they enter their mailings.  

REMINDER FOR PERIODICALS MAILERS

ANNUAL STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION DUE OCT. 1

All publishers (not printers) of Periodicals publications, including foreign publications accepted at Periodicals rates, must complete and file with the Postmaster of the original entry Post Office, a Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation, no later than Oct. 1 each year. Publishers must use the September 2006 or newer version of Form 3526, or Form 3526-R, as appropriate. Instructions appear on the reverse of each form. A separate form must be completed and filed for each publication title. See DMM 707.8.3.

In addition, publishers with authorized Periodicals mailing privileges as a “general publication” (DMM 707.6.1) or a “requester publication” (DMM 707.6.4) must publish all information required by Form 3526 in an issue of the publication referred to on the form. This information should also be noted in item 16 of the form. Publishers may provide the required information on a reproduction of Form 3526, or it may be published separately in column format. However, each numbered item on the form must be included and contain an entry (i.e., “zero,” n/a, etc.).

Publication of the information must appear in an issue whose primary “mailed distribution” is not later than:

• Oct. 10 for publications issued more frequently than weekly (e.g., daily).
• Oct. 31 for publications issued weekly or less frequently but more frequently than monthly (e.g., biweekly).
• For all other publications, the first issue published after Oct. 1.

Form 3526 and Form 3526-R can be obtained from your local Post Office and at pe.usps.com. Click Postage Statements, then Periodicals Forms. If you have any questions, contact your original entry Post Office.