[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 176 (Monday, September 13, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 49530]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-23851]


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POSTAL RATE COMMISSION

[Docket No. C99-4]


Technical and Settlement Conference; Meeting

AGENCY: Postal Rate Commission.

ACTION: Notice of technical and settlement conference.

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SUMMARY: An initial technical and settlement conference has been 
scheduled in docket no. C99-4. The conference will address a cost 
study, physical operation of Bulk Parcel Return Service (BPRS), 
potential settlement proposals, and other issues in the docket. The 
conference will assist in clarifying issues and allowing the settlement 
coordinator to respond to the Commission's request that a report on the 
potential for settlement be filed by September 17, 1999.

DATES: The technical and settlement conference has been scheduled for 
Tuesday, September 14, 1999. For time and other dates, see the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.

ADDRESSES: The conference will be held in the Commission's hearing room 
at 1333 H Street NW., Suite 300, Washington, DC 20268-0001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ted P. Gerarden, OCA director, at 202-
789-6838.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Commission's OCA hereby gives notice of 
a technical and settlement conference to discuss resolution of the 
complaint filed on June 9, 1999, by the Continuity Shippers Association 
(CSA). On September 3, 1999, the Commission issued a notice of formal 
proceedings to consider the complaint and provided until September 17, 
1999, for the parties to explore settlement.1
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    \1\ Order No. 1260, Order Denying Motion of United States Postal 
Service to Dismiss Complaint and Notice of Formal Proceeding. 
Ordering paragraph 4 designated OCA to represent the interests of 
the general public and to act as settlement coordinator pursuant to 
rule 85 of the Commission's rules of practice and procedure [39 CFR 
Sec. 3001.85].
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    The CSA complaint alleges that the rate for BPRS is excessive. The 
complaint raises issues concerning the BPRS cost study performed by the 
Postal Service in October 1998, in compliance with the Commission's 
recommended decision in docket no. MC97-4. The complaint also alleges 
similarities between BPRS and Special Standard (B) mail. The Commission 
noted the Postal Service's responses to CSA's allegations, but 
determined that there was inadequate justification for dismissal of the 
complaint.
    Under the circumstances presented, it is imperative that the 
parties utilize ``appropriate informal inquiry methods to define the 
issues, further the exchange of information and explanations between 
the Postal Service and the complainant, and facilitate settlement.'' 39 
CFR 3001.85(a). Because the October 1998 study and the physical 
operation of BPRS in comparison to other mail services are central to 
addressing the rate for BPRS, an informal technical conference is 
needed as well as an informal settlement conference. Complainant CSA, 
the Postal Service, and other interested parties are hereby placed on 
notice that they are expected to have individuals present at the 
conference who are thoroughly familiar with the BPRS cost study and 
with the operational characteristics of BPRS. CSA and the Postal 
Service are encouraged to discuss the issues raised by the complaint 
and to share information or proposals in advance of the informal 
technical and settlement conference.
    The informal technical and settlement conference will be held 
September 14, 1999, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Commission's hearing 
room at 1333 H Street NW., Washington, DC. All interested persons are 
welcome to attend the conference, but all such persons are placed on 
notice that attendance at the conference will not confer party status. 
Any interested person must file pursuant to rule 20 or 20a of the 
Commission's rules (39 CFR Secs. 20 or 20a) in order to intervene or to 
obtain limited participation status in this proceeding.
    The Secretary of the Commission is requested to arrange for 
publication of this notice in the Federal Register.

    Authority: 39 U.S.C. 3662.

    Dated: September 8, 1999.
Margaret P. Crenshaw,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 99-23851 Filed 9-10-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-FW-P