The Perfect Bundle_PCC Seminars_May_2007WC

Slide 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: The Perfect Bundle Improving Bundle Preparation
The words included are:
“A secure bundle with a fully visible address is a thing of beauty.”
Presented by: (insert name here)
Image Information:
A person holding a bundle of mail and another person holding a bundle of magazines.
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Thank you for joining us for today’s seminar.
My Name is <NAME> and I am <TITLE>.  
In today’s session, we will discuss the what we mean by “The Perfect Bundle”.
Ensuring that bundles prepared by mailers remain intact throughout the handling of the bundle during Postal Service mail processing is a critical issue.  
We will review the standards for preparing secure bundles and some ideas that were developed by the mailing industry on how you can ensure that you are preparing secure bundles.  
We will also discuss a recent change to bundle preparation standards that require the address information on the top piece of the bundle to be visible and readable by the naked eye.
This discussion applies to bundles of Standard Mail, Periodicals, Bound Printed Matter, Media and Library Mail flat-size mail pieces.  
The “Perfect Bundle” is our theme for our effort to improve bundle preparation and reduce the number of bundles that break open  or are not readable during postal processing.
End of Slide 1.



Slide 2:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Agenda
The words included are:
(bullet)What is a bundle?
(bullet)Why “The Perfect Bundle”?
(bullet)What should you know about “The Perfect Bundle”?
(bullet)How can you ensure bundles are prepared securely?
(bullet)Feedback and resolution
(bullet)Postal activities
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
The agenda for today’s seminar will cover:
(bullet)What is a bundle?
(bullet)Why you should prepare a Perfect Bundle;
(bullet)The standards for preparing bundles;
(bullet)Some best practices to help you evaluate your bundle preparation methods;
(bullet)Feedback and resolution from the Electronic Mail Improvement Reporting (eMIR) system; and 
(bullet)Some activities that the Postal Service is engaged in to improve bundle integrity.
End of Slide 2.



Slide 3:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: What Is A Bundle?
The words included are:
(bullet)Bundle – Secured group of presorted pieces
(bullet)Processing bundles
(bullet)Multi-step process
(bullet)Bundle breakage may occur during
(bullet)Transit
(bullet)Container processing 
(bullet)Unloading sacks or pallets
(bullet)Non-readable address
(bullet)Manual processing
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Let’s start with the basics.
A nonautomation flat is mail that exceeds 11 1/2”  in length, or 6 1/8”  in height or 1/4“ in thickness.  
But, a nonautomation flat does not exceed 15” in length, or 12” in height or 3/4“ thickness.  
Some different size standards apply to specific rate categories such as carrier route or automation rates, but in general any piece that meets these conditions is considered a flat.
A bundle is simply a secured group of mailpieces that are for a specific presort separation.  
The processing of bundles in the Postal Service has come a long way over the years.  
Formerly, a completely manual operation, the Postal Service has introduced mechanization and automation to the process over the past several decades.  
Unless mailers dropship bundles directly to delivery units, bundles must undergo multiple handlings before they are delivered.  
We have found that in this multi-step process, bundles will break open and the contents become loose pieces if the bundles are not properly secured.  Sacks or pallets must be loaded onto and unloaded off of vehicles which could cause the contents to shift and loosen the bands or shrinkwrap.  
Transporting the containers causes additional stress on the security of the bundle. With all of this handling, if the bundles were not properly secured when they were prepared, we could end up with loose pieces spread across the induction operation.
With the new postal automated bundle sorting equipment, bundles with the address on the top piece obscured by opaque or colored strapping or other obstructions must be handled manually, increasing costs and slowing processing and possibly delaying delivery of that mail.
End of Slide 3.



Slide 4:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Why “The Perfect Bundle”?
The words included are:
(bullet)Get mail to delivery point in good condition 
(bullet)Control costs
(bullet)Prevent loss of presort
(bullet)Prevent damage to mail
Image Information:
All different kinds of mail spread across a table, with the words 'Pieces Loose in Processing' under the image.
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Why do we need the Perfect Bundle? 
The Perfect Bundle helps your bundled mail get as close to the delivery point as possible, as quickly as possible and in the same good condition as when the bundle was prepared.  
Preparing secure bundles with a readable address on the top piece helps the Postal Service control costs which can mean more stabilized rates.
Preparing secure bundles prevents the pieces in the bundle from coming loose in processing. 
Mail that becomes loose in processing can get damaged, so maintaining the bundle quality helps prevent damage to the pieces.
End of Slide 4.



Slide 5:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: What Is APPS?
The words included are:
Automated Package Processing System (APPS)
(bullet)Automated equipment for sorting parcels and bundles 
(bullet)Organizes bundles into single file
(bullet)Requires visible/readable address on top piece
(bullet)Reads address or barcode and optional endorsement line or bundle presort label on top piece of bundle
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
The Postal Service has deployed new equipment to process/sort bundles and parcels.  This is the Automated Package Processing System (APPS).
APPS utilizes an automated induction system with state-of-the-art recognition technology to maximize processing efficiency. 
The induction system positions bundles or parcels into a single file to facilitate recognition & sorting.
The camera based system captures images from multiple sides of the bundle (top, bottom and two sides) for use with barcode reading and optical character recognition equipment.  
Secure bundles and address image visibility are essential for successful performance of the automated recognition.
If the optical character reader is unable to read the address information from the image, the image will be sent to a (remote encoding) site where an employee will attempt to read the address and provide the correct sorting direction.   
If the images cannot be read at the remote encoding center, the piece will be rejected.  
APPS equipment allows for only minor manual intervention if a bundle cannot be read due to the address being obscured.  If the address is not readable, the bundle will be rejected and will require more costly methods of sortation, which may delay delivery of your mail.
A secure bundle and the visibility of the address on the top piece of the bundle are critical to processing on the APPS machine.  If the bundle breaks open and the pieces become loose, the machine must be shut down to remove the loose pieces.  If the address is not visible, the bundle will have to receive additional handling. 
End of Slide 5.



Slide 6:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: What Should I Know About The Perfect Bundle?
The words included are:
Bundle Preparation Standards*
(bullet)Must be able to withstand transit and handling 
(bullet)Use banding, shrinkwrap or both
(bullet)Banding – plastic, string/twine, rubber bands 
(bullet)Double banding around girth and length
(bullet)Sufficient tension on banding to depress edges
(bullet)Loose banding not allowed
(bullet)String/twine must have secure knots
(bullet)NO wire/metal banding
*DMM 345, 365, 375, 385, 705, 707
Image Information:
Image on the far left middle of a stack of mail pieces that are not strapped correctly, being processed.  It has the words 'Strap Too Loose' under the image.
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.  
End of Image information. 

Notes:
So, now let’s talk about the what we can do to prevent bundles from breaking, make bundles that are readable on postal processing equipment, and how to create the “Perfect Bundle.”
The primary consideration for all bundles is that they must be able to withstand transit and handling without breaking.  Generally, bundles must be secured with banding, shrinkwrap or both banding and shrink-wrap.  Banding includes plastic strapping, string or twine, or rubber bands.  
Banding must be tight enough to depress the edges of the bundles and loose banding is not allowed. If string or twine is used, the knots must be secure and the string tight around the bundle. Wire or metal banding is not allowed.
Mailers must ensure the banding materials are of sufficient strength and quality, and the equipment used to apply the banding materials is properly maintained to consistently apply tight and secure banding on all sizes of bundles in their mailings.  
When mailers apply banding materials with insufficient tension, the banding material is more likely to slip off the bundle during processing. Banding must be tight enough to depress the edges of the bundle and prevent mailpieces from slipping out during transit and processing.  Extra care must be taken when securing large bundles or bundles over 5 pounds, especially when using rubber bands, string, or twine to secure these bundles.  
Banding, other than tightly applied clear smooth strapping, must not cross over or cover the delivery address block, including the Optional Endorsement Line or barcoded presort label.
Banding with clear smooth plastic strapping is an effective way to ensure address visibility. 
End of Slide 6.



Slide 7:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: What Should I Know About The Perfect Bundle?
The words included are:
Bundle Preparation Standards*
(bullet)Maximum bundle weight 20 pounds
(bullet)Counter-stack pieces of irregular thickness
(bullet)All bundles – Minimum of 2 bands, shrinkwrap, OR shrinkwrap & one or two bands
*DMM 345, 365, 375, 385, 705, 707
Image Information:
Image on the far left middle of a stack of mail pieces that the address is obscured.  It has the words 'Shrink-Wrap Wrinkles Obscures Address' under the image.
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
The maximum weight for any bundle in a sack is 20 pounds.  However, the characteristics of the mailpiece must be considered before making a bundle at the maximum weight.
Pieces that are of irregular thickness should be counter-stacked.  For example, pieces with a saddle-stitched edge may be slightly thicker at the bound edge.  By grouping the pieces in equal groups and reversing the orientation of the groups you will maintain a more uniform thickness & create a more secure bundle.
Postal standards require a minimum of two bands, shrinkwrap, or shrinkwrap and one or two bands on all bundles of flats and irregular parcels except for First-Class Mail.
When two bands are used to secure bundles, use at least one band to encircle the length of the bundle and use at least one band to encircle the girth of the bundle. Bands must be at least one inch from the edge of the bundle. 
Shrinkwrapping is a method to secure bundles of flat-size mailpieces and carrier-route irregular parcels, if applied appropriately. 
Shrinkwrap must be of sufficient strength for the size and weight of the bundle.  Insufficient shrinkwrap strength results in increased processing cost and potential delivery delays.  Shrinkwrap integrity is of particular importance with FIRM bundles, in which individual pieces are not addressed within the bundle.  Shrinkwrap of insufficient strength is likely to break open during APPS processing, resulting in the need to reroute the bundles to more manually intensive and costly operations.  
Improperly applied shrinkwrap can result in bundles with large openings that may allow mailpieces to escape.    Mailers should make sure that shrinkwrap is applied tightly, and either eliminates or minimizes the size of any openings. 
If an opening is unavoidable, experience has shown that openings which are less than 50 percent of the surface area of the open side retain their integrity better than those with larger openings. 
The visibility of the address is required and described in more detail in the next slide.
End of Slide 7.



Slide 8:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: What Should I Know About The Perfect Bundle?
The words included are:
Address Visibility
(bullet)Prepare “Perfect” bundles with fully visible address on top piece
(bullet)No interference over address on top piece
(bullet)No facing slip over address
(bullet)No seams, bunching, blistering, wrinkles in shrinkwrap over address
(bullet)Proper use of OEL or bundle presort labels 
Image Information:
Image on the far right middle of a stack of mail pieces that the address is interfered with because of the strapping on it.  It has the words 'Strapping Interferes With Address Visibility' under the image.
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Address visibility is vital to enable automated processing through APPS.
Mailers using strapping that might cover the address can avoid obstructing visibility by using clear, smooth strapping tightly secured around the bundle.
Regardless of the method used to secure the bundle, mailers preparing presort bundles must ensure that the delivery address information on the top mailpiece in each bundle is clearly visible and readable by the naked eye.
Mailers must ensure the heat shrink seal of shrinkwrap does not infringe on, or cross the delivery address block.
Addresses on bundles secured by means other than shrinkwrap or clear smooth strapping must be located such that the strapping, string, or other banding does not interfere with address visibility.  For example, on bundles with two straps perpendicular to each other, the delivery and return address blocks each could be located entirely within one of the 4 quadrants.  
On bundles using tightly applied clear smooth strapping, the address block may be located in areas crossed by straps; however, it is recommended the address not be placed so that two clear straps intersect over the address block. 
Mailers using barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle labels, optional endorsement lines, carrier route information lines, or carrier route facing slips also must ensure that this information is visible and readable by the naked eye.
End of Slide 8.



Slide 9:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: What Should I Know About The Perfect Bundle?
The words included are:
SACKS Standards - Specific Mail Types*
(bullet)Pieces with Coated Paper Cover
(bullet)Maximum 3” height if using rubber bands, OR shrinkwrap, OR string 
(bullet)Maximum 6” height, if using 2 plastic straps, OR shrinkwrap, plus 1 or 2 straps
(bullet)Uncoated Paper 
(bullet)Maximum height – 8”
(bullet)Recommend 6” maximum
(bullet)2 bands, OR shrinkwrap, OR shrinkwrap and one or two bands
*DMM-345, 365, 375, 385, 705, 707
Image Information:
Image on the far left middle of a stack of mail pieces that rubber bands are not position correctly on the stack.  It has the words 'Poor Use of Rubber Bands' under the image.
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
There are additional standards for specific types of mailpieces when the bundles are placed in sacks.  
These additional standards are necessary because bundles in sacks are subject to more forces as the sacks travel from the mailer’s plant through the postal system until they are opened and the contents are emptied for processing of the individual bundles.
Bundles of pieces with coated/glossy covers must maintain a 3 inch height maximum if only string, rubber bands or shrinkwrap is used. 
If the bundle is secured with 2 plastic bands or shrinkwrap and at least 1 plastic band, then the bundle may be prepared at a 6 inch maximum height.
Pieces with outer surfaces of uncoated paper may be made up to an 8 inch maximum height.  
However, we recommend that you maintain a 6 inch height.  The bundles may be secured with 2 bands, shrinkwrap, or both shrinkwrap and one or two bands.
End of Slide 9.



Slide 10:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: How Can You Ensure Bundles Are Prepared Securely?
The words included are:
(bullet)Ensure bundles do not exceed height & weight standards
(bullet)Select bundling material appropriate for the type of mail you process 
(bullet)Bundle may compress further after being secured, causing bundling material to become loose
(bullet)Use clear smooth strapping
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Experience and feedback for mailers workgroups have provided us with recommendations for the best methods for preparing bundles. 
Do not make bundles over 20 pounds, and ensure that bundles in sacks are within height requirements.
Use the appropriate bundling material for the type of mail that you are preparing based on weight, height, mailpiece characteristics (e.g., coated stock, flexible/rigid, inserts or binding creating non-uniform thickness).
Consider the weight of the piece, the maximum height of the bundle, whether the piece has a coated or uncoated surface, and other characteristics of the mailpiece that may influence how the piece is securely bundled.  
Bundles placed on pallets may compress.  Evaluate bundles to ensure that even when compressed, bundles remain secure and if the strap must go over the address, only use clear smooth strapping material.  As an alternative, locate the address in a corner where the strapping will not interfere with the readability of the address.
End of Slide 10.



Slide 11:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: How Can You Ensure Bundles Are Prepared Securely?
The words included are:
(bullet)Pay close attention to bundles that are placed in sacks, particularly if the majority of mail will destinate outside your local post office service area
(bullet)BUT, also pay attention to bundles on pallets
Image Information:
Image on the far left middle of a stack of mail pieces that are in a mail carrier bag and a stack of mail on a cart. 
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
If your bundles are going to be placed into sacks, additional consideration should be given to ensuring that the bundles will remain secure during transit and handling. 
Remember, sacks will undergo additional handling steps which cause a greater degree of stress on the bundles, especially if the sacks are destined for postal facilities outside of the local area.
It is also very important to make certain that appropriate bundle securing materials and methods are used for bundles placed on pallets.  
As noted earlier, bundles on the bottom of a pallet may compress during transit and handling causing straps to become loose.
End of Slide 11.



Slide 12:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: How Can You Ensure Bundles Are Prepared Securely?
The words included are:
(bullet)Once appropriate bundling material/method is selected, make sure it’s applied properly
(bullet)Banding must be tight enough to retain  tension & centered to reduce slippage
(bullet)String must be tied securely so knots will not come loose
(bullet)Use 10-ply twine with a 65% polyester/ 35% cotton blend to ensure adequate tensile strength (50 - 55 lbs.)
Image Information:
Image on the far left middle of different bundles of mail pieces.
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
After you decide on the appropriate material to use, make sure that the equipment you are using to secure the bundles is in good working condition and that it is set to the correct settings for the type and size of bundles being prepared. 
Banding must have sufficient tension to securely contain the pieces and must be placed in the center with one band around the girth and another band around the length.
When using plastic strapping, make sure that the strapping machine is properly set to seal the ends of the plastic together.  
Routinely perform quality checks by picking up a bundle and checking the weld of the ends of the straps.
When using string or twine, make sure that secure knots are being made. 
 A 10-ply poly twine with a 65% polyester / 35% cotton blend should ensure proper strength but the end result should be a secure bundle.  
End of Slide 12.



Slide 13:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: How Can You Ensure Bundles Are Prepared Securely?
The words included are:
(bullet)Once appropriate bundling material and bundling method is selected, make sure it is applied properly
(bullet)Rubber bands must be new and strong enough not to break or come loose
(bullet)Shrinkwrap must be of sufficient mil (thickness), strong enough for bundle size & weight 
(bullet)Shrinkwrap must be sealed securely 
(bullet)With shrinkwrap, minimize opening at end of bundle
Image Information:
Image on the far left middle of different bundles of mail pieces in a mail cart.
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Make sure that if you must use rubber bands that they are new and strong enough not to break or come loose.  If you can pick up the bundle and the rubber bands stretch/break and pieces begin to slide out, you need to reconsider the use of rubber bands. Because rubber-bands stretch, they may be inappropriate for larger bundles of glossy pieces that tend to slide and shift on each other as they are transported and processed. 
The shrinkwrap used must be of sufficient thickness and quality for the bundle size and weight that you are preparing. The shrinkwrap must conform around all sides of the bundle and should not leave large openings (bulls-eyes) at the ends.  Open ends can catch on processing equipment and tear the shrinkwrap.  
Also, if the bundles are not properly shrinkwrapped, the pieces will shift within the wrap and become loose when inducted onto processing equipment.  
Shrinkwrap that is not strong enough may tear as bundles of pieces with square edges, such as perfect-bound magazines or catalogs, tumble on those edges during processing.
Make sure that employees are properly trained on the shrinkwrap equipment and that quality checks are routinely performed and documented.  
When a bundle is shrinkwrapped, we realize that it may need an opening at the ends to allow air to escape. If an opening is needed, we recommend that the opening be less than 50% of the surface area of the open side.  This will help to ensure the integrity of the bundle. Additionally, we recommend that if the bundle has a large opening, that mailers should use banding to encircle the bundles on the open sides.
End of Slide 13.



Slide 14:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: How Can You Ensure Bundles Are Prepared Securely?
The words included are:
(bullet)Visit your local postal processing plant and observe the condition of your mail after an initial sort (e.g., APPS, SPBS, or sack sorter)
(bullet)Test bundling methods in your plant
(bullet)Give special attention to bundling of odd-shaped pieces and pieces with covers of coated stock 
Image Information:
Image on the far left middle of mail pieces being processed at a post office.
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
You may also contact your local Postal representative and ask to visit the local Postal processing plant to see first-hand how your mailings are processed.
Bundle integrity should be tested by the mail preparer during production.
Bundles of odd-shaped pieces or pieces with coated surfaces should be given special attention to ensure that they will withstand transit and handling.
End of Slide 14.



Slide 15:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: How Can You Ensure Bundles Are Prepared Securely?
The words included are:
(bullet)Quality Test for Bundles
(bullet)Drop from 4 foot height
(bullet)Drop on edge 
(bullet)Pick up by strap or wrap
(bullet)No pieces should escape or become loose from the bundle
(bullet)If bundle becomes loose or pieces fall out, make adjustments to bundle preparation process
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
A good rule of thumb is that if the bundle can be dropped from a height of about four feet and then picked up by the banding or shrinkwrap and the bundle maintains its integrity, then you can be reasonably assured that it will withstand postal processing.
If the bundle becomes loose or the pieces begin to escape, adjustments should be made to the process.
End of Slide 15.



Slide 16:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Feedback and Resolution	
The words included are:
(bullet)Mail owners/Mail preparers 
“We never heard of any problems with our mail!”
(bullet)Additional guidelines for bundle preparation
(bullet)Type ‘Bundle Preparation Guidelines’ in usps.com search
www.usps.com/nationalpremieraccounts/bundlepreparationguidelines.htm
Image Information:
Image on the far left middle of all kinds mail pieces.
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
The Postal Service also found, during discussions with mailers, that some mailers had never been told that there was a problem with how bundles were being prepared.  
At the time, we just didn’t have a quality process in place to get good, accurate feedback to the mail-preparer or mail owner in regards to bundle preparation.
However, with the Electronic Mail Improvement Report (eMIR) system, we are now able to provide quality information to mailers when problems are found in postal operations.
We have posted additional guidelines for bundle preparation on our web site at usps.com.  In the search window just enter bundle preparation guidelines and a link to the document will be listed.
End of Slide 16.



Slide 17:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Feedback and Resolution
The words included are:
(bullet)Electronic Mail Improvement Report (eMIR)
(bullet)Postal reporting system for problems found after mail is accepted
(bullet)All types of mail preparation problems may be reported
(bullet)Mail preparation problems found in postal processing operations reported back to origin/acceptance site
(bullet)BME or Business Service Network (BSN) contacts mailer to resolve
(bullet)BME or BSN close report  
(bullet)Resolution information available to all parties
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
The Postal Service manages problem reporting through the Electronic Mail Improvement Reporting system - eMIR.
eMIR was developed to replace a formerly manual process using a PS From 3749 to report Irregularities in Mail Preparation.
With eMIR, a Postal employee at a Postal processing operation files an electronic report of any problem that they encounter with a mailing.  
Information is taken from the mailpiece and the container label and recorded in eMIR. 
The issue is electronically forwarded to the office where the mailing was accepted.  
Then, the Business Mail Entry office and/or the Business Service Network at the acceptance location contacts the mail preparer or owner and discusses the nature of the problem and assists with identifying a resolution to prevent the problem from recurring.  
The BME or BSN then record their resolution in EMIR to close out the issue.  The information is then available for all parties to view and produce reports.
End of Slide 17.



Slide 18:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Feedback and Resolution	
The words included are:
(bullet)eMIR reports 
(bullet)Part of PostalOne! customer report package
(bullet)Customer access to PostalOne!
(bullet)Customer Care Center 1-800-522-9085
Image Information:
Image on the far right middle of a snapshot of the United States Postal Service Webpage and there is a yellow arrow pointing to the words 'National & Premier Accounts that are circled in blue and the arrow has the words 'Look Under “National & Premier Accounts” Menu for PostalOne! System Info' in the middle of the arrow itself.
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Customers have access to their own reports in eMIR.  
eMIR can only be accessed through our PostalOne! system.  
Customers may apply for PostalOne! access through USPS.com, national and premier accounts link as shown in the image on this slide.
Once the customer clicks on this link, click on the “Customer Support” link at the top left of the page.  Customers can also contact the PostalOne! Customer Care Center at (800) 522-9085 or email them at postalone@email.usps.gov. for information and assistance with applying for a PostalOne! account.
End of Slide 18.



Slide 19:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Feedback and Resolution
The words included are:
(bullet)Customer Access to eMIR
(bullet)Provides visibility to mail owners/preparers with reported problems
Image Information:
Image at the middle of a snapshot of the United States Postal Service "Reports" Webpage.
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Through PostalOne!, mail owners have electronic access to their eMIR reports.
The eMIR reports are part of the Mail Owner access in the PostalOne! system.  
This slide displays the PostalOne! customer reports landing page where they can access their eMIR reports information
End of Slide 19.



Slide 20:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Feedback and Resolution
Image Information:
Image on at the middle of a snapshot of the United States Postal Service "Electronic Mail Improvement: Report Details" Webpage.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Owners will be able to see report details that provide information necessary to identify and correct issues with their mail.  
This includes where the problem occurred, type of problem, and mailpiece details.  
Reports may also contain images to further identify issues.  (Note: Owners have access only to their own report information)
End of Slide 20.



Slide 21:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Postal Activities	
The words included are:
(bullet)Acceptance clerk review of bundle preparation – bundle integrity and visibility of address
(bullet)Rework mailing
(bullet)Pay additional postage
(bullet)Adapting standards to help move mail from sacks to pallets
(bullet)Resources
(bullet)Business Mail Entry
(bullet)Business Service Network
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
The Postal Service is also taking action to reduce the occurrences of bundle preparation problems.
New verification procedures were implemented in May 2006.  Postal acceptance clerks conduct routine reviews of mailer prepared bundles at acceptance and to determine if the mailing is acceptable.  Reviews cover both the integrity of the bundle and the visibility of the address on the top piece.
If problems are not within tolerance, mailers must make corrections or pay additional postage as necessary before mail is accepted.
If you have questions concerning the preparation of your bundles, please contact our Business Mail Entry or Business Service Network office.
End of Slide 21.



Slide 22:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Conclusion
The words included are:
(bullet)Bundle breakage is a severe problem
(bullet)Affects postal processing, mail owners, mail preparers and the customer (addressee)
(bullet)Bundle breakage adds additional processing costs which can increase postage rates
(bullet)Coated paper stock pieces and pieces in sacks are more likely to become loose
(bullet)Comply with standards for “The Perfect Bundle”
(bullet)Perform quality checks of material, machines, and bundles
(bullet)Work with local postal officials to improve bundling processes
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
So what have we learned today about the Perfect Bundle?
Bundle breakage affects everyone: the mail preparer, the postal service, the mail owner, and the addressee.
Broken bundles and bundles that do not have a visible, readable address on the top piece add additional costs to postal processing, which can mean higher postage rates.
Pieces with coated surfaces and bundles in sacks have a much higher probability of breaking and becoming loose in transit if not properly secured. 
Mail preparers should comply with the standards for the type of mail piece being prepared. Remember that there are additional rules for bundles that are prepared in sacks. 
Quality checks should be performed during and after the production process.
And finally, that you can consult with your local postal representatives for assistance with resolving any problems that you encounter and to work with you to improve your bundling preparation process.
End of Slide 22.



Slide 23:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Questions?
The words included are:
The Perfect Bundle
Thank You
“A secure bundle with a fully visible address is a thing of beauty”
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Thank you for your attendance and attention.  I will be glad to answer any questions that you may have at this time.
End of Slide 23.