[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 133 (Tuesday, July 12, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40844-40849]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-17390]
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POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
Changes to Move Update Standards
AGENCY: Postal Service\TM\.
ACTION: Proposed rule, revised.
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SUMMARY: The Postal Service proposes to revise Mailing Standards of the
United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) to add
602.5.0 and 602.6.0, and to revise the Move Update standards regarding
change of address orders, by including in the revised standards change
of address notices filed by postal employees. The Postal Service also
deletes multiple sections throughout the DMM to centralize Move Update
and ZIP CodeTM accuracy standards under section 602.
DATES: We must receive your comments on or before August 11, 2011.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product
Classification, U.S. Postal Service,[supreg] 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW.,
Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy all
written comments at USPS[supreg] Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant
Plaza, SW., 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 4
p.m., Monday through Friday. Email comments, containing the name and
address of the commenter, may be sent to: [email protected],
with a subject line of ``Move Update.'' Faxed comments are not
accepted.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Wilson at 901-681-4600, or Bill
Chatfield at 202-268-7278.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 21, 2010, the Postal Service
published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (75 FR 57410-57412)
to include all changes-of-address, whether filed by customers or postal
employees, as subject to Move Update requirements. In addition, the
proposal announced that the online publication, Guide to Move Update,
is the appropriate source for additional information and procedures for
meeting the Move Update requirements.
The prior proposal also would have changed the timeframe for
providing address correction and nixie notices without charge for
First-Class Mail[supreg], Standard Mail[supreg], and Bound Printed
Matter (BPM) pieces eligible for full-service Intelligent Mail[supreg]
prices. The Postal Service is not including that initiative in this
rule; for now, we will retain the current timeframe for notices without
charge for pieces eligible for full-service prices.
In this notice we provide an overview of the revised proposal, a
summary of comments on the original proposal, our response to those
comments, and the proposed new mailing standards to implement this
proposal.
Change of Address Orders
The Postal Service proposes that the Move Update standards are met,
not only by updating address records from customer-filed change-of-
address (COA) orders, but also from COA orders supplied by postal
employees. Customers occasionally move from a street address or allow
their Post Office\TM\ Box service to expire without providing a new
address to redirect their mail. In these instances, the customer no
longer receives mail at that address, and the postal employee files
either a ``Moved Left No Address'' (MLNA) or a ``Box Closed No Order''
(BCNO) COA order. These two types of COAs are included in the address
change databases the Postal Service maintains. To comply with the new
proposed Move Update standards, mailers must not include pieces in
presorted mailings to these undeliverable addresses once the effective
date of the COA is older than 95 days.
However, the Postal Service understands that some mailers may have
difficulty isolating MLNAs and BCNOs in their mailing processes.
Therefore, to allow mailers sufficient time to modify their mailing
systems to properly handle MLNA and BCNO occurrences, MLNAs and BCNOs
with effective dates older than 95 days would not be classified as
failures to update a COA by Performance Based Verification (PBV) Move
Update verifications until a year after publication of the final rule.
After the one-year grace period, MLNA/BCNO addresses with effective
dates between 95 days and 18 months would be treated by PBV
verifications for commercial mailings of First-Class Mail and Standard
Mail pieces as failures to update a COA.
Guide to Move Update
The online USPS publication Guide to Move Update (available on the
RIBBS[supreg] Web site at http://ribbs.usps.gov) provides general
information and recommendations about each authorized Move Update
method. This publication also provides specific information on the best
use of the methods available for meeting the Move Update standards. It
describes in detail the four primary and the two alternative Move
Update methods available for updating mailing lists.
Since the amount of information on Move Update involves numerous
technical details in addition to the basic standards, it is not
appropriate to include all the information within the DMM. Therefore,
we reference the Guide to Move Update where relevant and appropriate in
sections of the DMM. The Guide to Move Update is accessible online at:
ribbs.usps.gov/move_update/documents/tech_guides/GuidetoMoveUpdate.pdf.
Comments and USPS Responses
General
We received comments from two customers and eight mailer
associations. A general comment recommended that the Postal Service
explain the financial and other service-related benefits to
[[Page 40845]]
users of the mail as a consequence of this rule. Improving the quality
and currency of addresses used on mail facilitates the efficient
delivery of the mail and reduces cost associated with unnecessary
handling and processing of mailpieces that are undeliverable-as-
addressed.
Several associations suggested that the USPS should review all
address-related recommendations made by appropriate Mailers' Technical
Advisory Committee (MTAC) workgroups to make sure that those issues are
being addressed, and also that we should provide an update on all work
pertaining to the undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) reduction goal,
including data on address quality improvements and specific factors
that contributed to those results. The USPS appreciates and values the
input and recommendations submitted through the MTAC Workgroup process
and, where implementation of recommendations is practical and
beneficial to the mutual interests of the mailing industry and the
USPS, the USPS will take action to adopt MTAC Workgroup-submitted
recommendations. We have made several responsive presentations to MTAC
concerning the state of address quality and the performance by the
mailing industry towards the goal to reduce UAA by 50 percent.
One association requested that the USPS acknowledges that the
pricing for First-Class Mail includes the cost to handle return mail.
The cited statements that First-Class Mail prices ``factor in the
cost'' of UAA mail is a reasonable summary of the relationship between
costs and prices under the previous regulatory framework (the Postal
Reorganization Act or PRA), in which a markup factor was added to
attributable cost per piece to determine prices. Under the current
Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act framework, however, prices
are not directly connected to costs; price increase percentages cannot
exceed the CPI price-cap even if the attributable cost per piece has
risen faster than the CPI. In any case, because of the way the Move
Update assessment is applied, changes in the assessment formula
(tolerance or per-piece assessment) are included in price-cap
calculations.
One association asserted that the original proposed rule
represented an instance of imposing rules that require major investment
by mailers for little or no return, thus creating additional costs that
functionally act as an increase in postage. In the association's
opinion, the rules become unfunded mandates. The statement went on to
recommend that USPS consider the impact of the burdens inherent in the
costs associated with rules changes. The association suggested that
ways can be found to reduce the customer impact, starting with a
realistic assessment of the costs associated with the rules change.
The USPS believes we have demonstrated sensitivity to the impact of
new requirements that result in changes for mailers and mailing
systems. We typically make accommodations to mailing industry interests
to implement necessary changes in a reasonable manner that are
minimally intrusive to the mailing industry. Examples of this
accommodation are the 3-year implementation cycle of the DPV (delivery-
point validation) changes, the 2-year gradual implementation of the
Suite[supreg]; changes, and the 1-year implementation deferral of the
MLNA/BCNO changes from the date of the original proposal. And, in
recognition of the comments, we are proposing to extend that deferral
so that full implementation would begin one year after publication of
the final rule. On an ongoing basis, the USPS will continue to seek
opportunities to work collaboratively with the mailing industry to
resolve issues of importance to both the mailing industry and the USPS.
Better address quality benefits mailers and the customers they are
trying to reach, because better quality current addresses enable
product offers to reach addressees more quickly, resulting in higher
and quicker response rates.
One association commented extensively on the previously proposed
change in the Move Update tolerance, a subject of a different proposal.
Moved Left No Address (MLNA) and Box Closed No Order (BCNO) Notices
Several commenters asked that the USPS eliminate the MLNA/BCNO
requirement until all data quality issues are rectified. The USPS
believes that it is appropriate to include MLNA/BCNO postal employee-
filed changes in the Move Update Performance Based Verification
process. The 95-day allowance granted to mailers provides sufficient
time for customers for whom an MLNA or BCNO entry into the change-of-
address data has been made to resolve any data quality issues. The USPS
does not believe that mailers should continue to send potentially
sensitive mail at presorted prices to customers at addresses where it
is known that customers no longer receive mail, when the result is that
the USPS must re-handle this undeliverable-as-addressed mail.
Several commenters urged the USPS to change MLNA and BCNO notices
for Periodicals to nixie notifications or ensure the accuracy and
consistency of the notices for multiple mailings to the same addressee.
The USPS has historically treated MLNA and BCNO notices as change-of-
address notifications and not as nixies. This is demonstrated in USPS
documents, such as Publication 8A, Address Change Service, that define
MLNA and BCNO as carrier-filed actions.
One mailer asserted that the MLNA/BCNO requirement will cause
mailers to consider moving away from the mail due to the cost to
provide solutions. The mailer further stated that this concern has been
escalated on numerous occasions with the USPS management team, and
recommended elimination of the MLNA/BCNO additional requirement. The
USPS has made numerous accommodations of mailing industry concerns
regarding the enforcement of the Move Update requirement for MLNA/BCNO
changes-of-address orders. The USPS believes the revised accommodation
to implement this change one year from publication of the Federal
Register final rule provides sufficient time for the mailing industry
to implement the changes necessary to handle these transactions. The
same mailer also stated that the USPS should establish quality
measurements to ensure that accurate and timely controls for issuance
of MLNA/BCNO notices are in place. This mailer suggested that the USPS
should be required to provide initial projections and detailed results
of the savings associated with mailing requirements implemented to
ensure accountability for proposed savings. Including the Move Update
standard for MLNA/BNCO records protects against the revenue lost by the
USPS from providing mailers reduced prices for mailpieces that will
incur higher USPS processing costs.
One association requested that the USPS confirm that the PBV
process is not applied to single-piece full-rate mailings as the DMM
does not state the need to apply PBV to full rate First-Class Mail
pieces. The USPS confirms that mailpieces sent to MLNA or BCNO
addresses at First-Class Mail single-piece prices are not subject to
PBV (Performance Based Verification).
Temporarily Away Notices
Several commenters requested that we clarify the proposed treatment
of temporary moves in terms of Move Update requirements. Temporary
change-of-address (COA) orders have never been included in the Move
[[Page 40846]]
Update standards, and there is no intent to include these records in
Move Update standards in the future. The USPS will not subject
temporary COA notices to the 95-day test, and will not charge mailers
for additional temporary COA notices provided after 95 days beyond the
date of the first temporary COA notification through full-service ACS.
Guide To Move Update
Several commenters stated that we should develop other means
(rather than the Guide to Move Update) for communicating changes in
policies and procedures pertaining to Move Update. The Guide to Move
Update is the USPS response to requests made by the mailing industry
for a single source document that provides greater detail and
additional information and recommendations on how mailers could use the
approved Move Update products and services to meet the Move Update
requirements. The Guide is not intended to be the vehicle for
implementing changes in Move Update policies or price eligibility
requirements; instead these changes will continue to be communicated
through the DMM.
Several commenters suggested that the USPS should publish changes
to the Guide to Move Update in the Federal Register as a proposed rule
so that all changes are vetted and visible to customers for their
consideration and comments. One mailer suggested that a change
management process should be used to notate modifications of
requirements. The USPS does not believe the publication of changes made
within the Guide to Move Update warrants the issuance of a Federal
Register notice. The Guide to Move Update is not and will not be used
to make changes to the Move Update requirements. It is intended to be a
resource for the mailing industry to understand how various USPS
programs and services can be used by a mailer to meet Move Update
requirements. Where changes to Move Update requirements may occur, the
standard processes for incorporating changes within the DMM will be
followed. In response to industry concerns, the USPS will adopt a
version control process as a standard method for describing changes
within the Guide to Move Update.
Effective Dates
We would implement the changes related to COAs filed for MLNA and
BCNO addresses one year from the date of publication of a final rule.
Although we are exempt from the notice and comment requirements of
the Administrative Procedure Act [5 U.S.C of 553(b), (c)] regarding
proposed rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), we invite public comments on
the following proposed revisions to Mailing Standards of the United
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), incorporated by
reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR 111.1.
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111
Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.
Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is proposed to be amended as follows:
PART 111--[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 13 U.S.C. 301-307; 18 U.S.C. 1692-
1737; 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 414, 416, 3001-3011, 3201-3219,
3403-3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, 3633, and 5001.
2. Revise the following sections of Mailing Standards of the United
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), as follows:
Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic
Mail Manual (DMM)
* * * * *
200 Commercial Letters and Cards
* * * * *
230 First-Class Mail
233 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for First-Class Mail Letters
* * * * *
3.5 Move Update Standard
3.5.1 Basic Standards
[Revise text of 3.5.1 to read as follows:]
The Move Update standard requires the periodic matching of a
mailer's address records with all change-of-address orders maintained
by the USPS. For this standard, address is a specific address
associated with a specific occupant name. The USPS Guide to Move Update
(at ribbs.usps.gov) has more information on the methods for meeting
this standard. Each address in a mailing at First-Class Mail commercial
letter prices must meet the requirements in 602.5.0.
[Delete 3.5.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.5.3, Mailer
Certification, in their entirety and renumber current item 3.5.4 as the
new 3.5.2.]
* * * * *
3.6 ZIP Code Accuracy
[Delete the title of 3.6.1, Basic Standard, and move the text of
3.6.1 under 3.6 and revise as follows:]
The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a means of ensuring that the 5-
digit ZIP Code in the delivery address correctly matches the delivery
address information. For the purposes of this standard, address means a
specific address associated with a specific 5-digit ZIP Code. Each
address in a mailing at commercial First-Class Mail letter prices must
meet the ZIP Code accuracy requirements in 602.6.0.
[Delete 3.6.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.6.3, Mailer
Certification, in their entirety.]
* * * * *
240 Standard Mail
243 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail Letters
* * * * *
3.8 ZIP Code Accuracy
[Delete the title of 3.8.1, Basic Standard, and move the text of
3.8.1 under 3.8 and revise as follows:]
The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a means of ensuring that the 5-
digit ZIP Code in the delivery address correctly matches the delivery
address information. For the purposes of this standard, address means a
specific address associated with a specific 5-digit ZIP Code. Each
address in a mailing at Standard Mail letter prices must meet the ZIP
Code accuracy requirements in 602.6.0.
[Delete 3.8.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.8.3, Mailer
Certification, in their entirety.]
* * * * *
3.9 Move Update Standards
3.9.1 Basic Standards
[Revise text of 3.9.1 to read as follows:]
The Move Update standard requires the periodic matching of a
mailer's address records with all change-of-address orders maintained
by the USPS. For this standard, address is a specific address
associated with a specific occupant name. The USPS Guide to Move Update
(at ribbs.usps.gov) has more information on the methods for meeting
this standard. Each address in a mailing at Standard Mail letter prices
must meet the requirements in 602.5.0.
* * * * *
[Delete 3.9.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.9.3, Mailer
Certification,
[[Page 40847]]
in their entirety and renumber current item 3.9.4 as the new 3.9.2.]
* * * * *
300 Commercial Flats
* * * * *
330 First-Class Mail
333 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Eligibility Standards for First-Class Mail Flats
* * * * *
3.5 Move Update Standards
3.5.1 Basic Standards
[Revise text of 3.5.1 to read as follows:]
The Move Update standard requires the periodic matching of a
mailer's address records with all change-of-address orders maintained
by the USPS. For this standard, address is a specific address
associated with a specific occupant name. The USPS Guide to Move Update
(at http://ribbs.usps.gov) has more information on methods for meeting
this standard. Each address in a mailing at commercial First-Class Mail
flats prices must meet the requirements in 602.5.0.
* * * * *
[Delete 3.5.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.5.3, Mailer
Certification, in their entirety and renumber current item 3.5.4 as the
new 3.5.2.]
* * * * *
3.6 ZIP Code Accuracy
[Delete the title of 3.6.1, Basic Standard, and move the text of
3.6.1 under 3.6 and revise as follows:]
The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a means of ensuring that the 5-
digit ZIP Code in the delivery address correctly matches the delivery
address information. For the purposes of this standard, address means a
specific address associated with a specific 5-digit ZIP Code. Each
address in a mailing at commercial First-Class Mail flats prices must
meet the ZIP Code accuracy requirements in 602.6.0.
[Delete 3.6.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.6.3, Mailer
Certification, in their entirety.]
* * * * *
340 Standard Mail
343 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail Flats
* * * * *
3.8 ZIP Code Accuracy
[Delete the title of 3.8.1, Basic Standard, and move the text of
3.8.1 under 3.8 and revise as follows:]
The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a means of ensuring that the 5-
digit ZIP Code in the delivery address correctly matches the delivery
address information. For the purposes of this standard, address means a
specific address associated with a specific 5-digit ZIP Code. Each
address in a mailing at Standard Mail flats prices must meet the ZIP
Code accuracy requirements in 602.6.0.
[Delete 3.8.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.8.3, Mailer
Certification in their entirety.]
* * * * *
3.9 Move Update Standard
3.9.1 Basic Standards
[Revise text of 3.9.1 to read as follows:]
The Move Update standard requires the periodic matching of a
mailer's address records with all change-of-address orders maintained
by the USPS. For this standard, address is a specific address
associated with a specific occupant name. The USPS Guide to Move Update
(at ribbs.usps.gov) has more information on the methods for meeting
this standard. Each address in a mailing at Standard Mail flats prices
must meet the requirements in 602.5.0.
* * * * *
[Delete 3.9.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.9.3, Mailer
Certification, in their entirety, and renumber current item 3.9.4 as
the new 3.9.2.]
* * * * *
360 Bound Printed Matter
363 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
4.0 Price Eligibility for Bound Printed Matter Flats
* * * * *
4.3 ZIP Code Accuracy
[Delete the title of 4.3.1, Basic Standard, and move the text of
4.3.1 under 4.3 and revise as follows:]
The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a means of ensuring that the 5-
digit ZIP Code in the delivery address correctly matches the delivery
address information. For the purposes of this standard, address means a
specific address associated with a specific 5-digit ZIP Code. Each
address in a mailing at Bound Printed Matter presorted or carrier route
prices must meet the ZIP Code accuracy requirements in 602.6.0.
[Delete 4.3.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 4.3.3, Mailer
Certification, in their entirety.]
* * * * *
400 Commercial Parcels
* * * * *
430 First-Class Mail
433 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for First-Class Mail Parcels
* * * * *
3.5 Move Update Standard
3.5.1 Basic Standards
[Revise text of 3.5.1 to read as follows:]
The Move Update standard requires the periodic matching of a
mailer's address records with all change-of-address orders maintained
by the USPS. For this standard, address is a specific address
associated with a specific occupant name. The USPS Guide to Move Update
(at ribbs.usps.gov) has more information on the methods for meeting
this standard. Each address in a mailing at commercial First-Class Mail
parcel prices must meet the requirements in 602.5.0.
[Delete 3.5.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.5.3, Mailer
Certification, in their entirety and renumber current item 3.5.4 as the
new 3.5.2.]
* * * * *
3.6 ZIP Code Accuracy
[Delete the title of 3.6.1, Basic Standard, and move the text of
3.6.1 under 3.6 and revise as follows:]
The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a means of ensuring that the 5-
digit ZIP Code in the delivery address correctly matches the delivery
address information. For the purposes of this standard, address means a
specific address associated with a specific 5-digit ZIP Code. Each
address in a mailing at commercial First-Class Mail parcel prices must
meet the ZIP Code accuracy requirements in 602.6.0.
[Delete 3.6.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.6.3, Mailer
Certification, in their entirety.]
* * * * *
440 Standard Mail
443 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail Parcels
* * * * *
[[Page 40848]]
3.8 ZIP Code Accuracy
[Delete the title of 3.8.1, Basic Standard, and move the text of
3.8.1 under 3.8 and revise as follows:]
The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a means of ensuring that the 5-
digit ZIP Code in the delivery address correctly matches the delivery
address information. For the purposes of this standard, address means a
specific address associated with a specific 5-digit ZIP Code. Each
address in a mailing at Standard Mail parcel prices must meet the ZIP
Code accuracy requirements in 602.6.0.
[Delete 3.8.2 USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.8.3, Mailer
Certification, in their entirety.]
* * * * *
3.9 Move Update Standards
3.9.1 Basic Standards
[Revise text of 3.9.1 to read as follows:]
The Move Update standard requires the periodic matching of a
mailer's address records with all change-of-address orders maintained
by the USPS. For this standard, address is a specific address
associated with a specific occupant name. The USPS Guide to Move Update
(at ribbs.usps.gov) has more information on the methods for meeting
this standard. Each address in a mailing at Standard Mail parcel prices
must meet the requirements in 602.5.0.
* * * * *
[Delete 3.9.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.9.3, Mailer
Certification, in their entirety and renumber current 3.9.4 as new
3.9.2.]
* * * * *
460 Bound Printed Matter
463 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
4.0 Price Eligibility for Bound Printed Matter Parcels
* * * * *
4.3 ZIP Code Accuracy
[Delete the title of 4.3.1, Basic Standard, and move the text of
4.3.1 under 4.3 and revise as follows:]
The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a means of ensuring that the 5-
digit ZIP Code in the delivery address correctly matches the delivery
address information. For the purposes of this standard, address means a
specific address associated with a specific 5-digit ZIP Code. Each
address in a mailing at Bound Printed Matter presorted or carrier route
prices must meet the ZIP Code accuracy requirements in 602.6.0.
[Delete 4.3.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 4.3.3, Mailer
Certification, in their entirety.]
* * * * *
600 Basic Standards for All Mailing Services
* * * * *
602 Addressing
* * * * *
[Add new 5.0 and 6.0 as follows:]
5.0 Move Update Standards
5.1 Basic Standards
Each address, except for mail bearing an alternative address format
(under 602.3.0), in a mailing at commercial First-Class Mail or any
Standard Mail prices is subject to the Move Update standard and must
meet these requirements:
a. Each address and associated occupant name used on the mailpieces
in a mailing must be updated within 95 days before the mailing date,
with one of the USPS-approved methods below.
b. The Move Update standard is met when an address used on a
mailpiece in a mailing at any class of mail is updated with an approved
method, and the same address is used in a First-Class Mail or Standard
Mail mailing within 95 days after the address has been updated.
5.2 USPS-Approved Methods
The following methods are authorized for meeting the Move Update
standard:
a. Address Change Service (ACS).
b. National Change of Address Linkage System (NCOA \Link\).
c. FASTforward MLOCR processes, for letters and flats, if used each
time before mail entry. If a mailpiece that initially uses FASTforward
MLOCR processing is rejected and then entered into a Direct View
Encoding Desk (DVED) operation (or similar system), the piece does not
meet the Move Update standard. The name and address information on the
piece must then be processed through a FASTforward RVE system to meet
the Move Update standard. FASTforward RVE processes also meet the Move
Update standard if used each time before mail entry.
d. Applicable ancillary service endorsements under 507.1.5.1 or
507.1.5.3, except ``Forwarding Service Requested.''
e. For First-Class Mail only: Mailer Move Update Process
Certification and USPS-approved alternative methods for mailers with
legitimate restrictions on incorporating USPS-supplied change-of-
address information into their mailing lists. The National Customer
Support Center (see 608.8.1 for address) administers and approves both
Mailer Move Update Process Certification and alternative methods.
5.3 Mailer Certification
The mailer's signature on the postage statement certifies that the
Move Update standard has been met for each address in the corresponding
mailing presented to the USPS.
6.0 ZIP Code Accuracy Standards
6.1 Basic Standards
Except for mail bearing a simplified address, addresses used on
pieces in a mailing at commercial First-Class Mail, and all Standard
Mail and Bound Printed Matter prices are subject to the ZIP Code
accuracy standard and must meet these requirements:
a. Each address and associated 5-digit ZIP Code used on the
mailpieces in a mailing must be verified and corrected within 12 months
before the mailing date with one of the USPS-approved methods below.
b. If an address used on a mailpiece in a mailing at one class of
mail and price is verified and corrected with an approved method, the
same address may be used during the following 12 months to meet the ZIP
Code accuracy standard required for mailing at any other class of mail
and price.
6.2 USPS-Approved Methods
The following methods are authorized for meeting the ZIP Code
accuracy standard:
a. For computerized lists, Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS)-
certified address matching software and current USPS City State
Product, within a mailer's computer systems or through an authorized
service provider.
b. For manually maintained lists or small computerized lists,
options include the following:
1. Surveys of addressees on mailers address lists inquiring about
the accuracy of ZIP Code information.
2. Any mailing list service in 507.7.0.
3. An authorized service provider.
4. CASS-certified matching software.
5. USPS Web site http://www.usps.com.
6.3 Mailer Certification
The mailer's signature on the postage statement certifies that the
ZIP Code accuracy standard has been met for each address in the
corresponding mailing presented to the USPS.
* * * * *
We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to
reflect
[[Page 40849]]
these changes if our proposal is adopted.
Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 2011-17390 Filed 7-11-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P