Contents. 2 postal bulletin ( ) COVER STORY Business Connect Quarterly Contest Postmaster Kit... 3

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1 Front Cover

2 2 postal bulletin ( ) Contents COVER STORY Business Connect Quarterly Contest Kit POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND FORMS UPDATES Manuals DMM Revision: USPS Return Services DMM Revision: Service Standards for Express Mail Military Service DMM Revision: Post Office Box Fee Groups for Merged Locations Publications Publication 75, Mover s Guide, News Publication 431 Revision: Changes to Post Office Box Service and Caller Service Fee Groups ORGANIZATION INFORMATION Address Management Post Office Changes Finance Misuse of the GSA SmartPay 2 Individually Billed Government Travel Cards Household Diary Study Human Resources RIF Competitive Areas for the Postal Service Mailing and Shipping Services Mail Alert Retail Stop Sending Copies of PS form 8176, Premium Forwarding Service Application to Headquarters Stamps/Philately Pictorial Postmarks Announcement How to Order the First Day of Issue Digital Color or Traditional Postmarks Supply Management ebuy2 Yearly Purchases of 5-Gallon Bottled Drinking Water Services From Nestle and DS Waters for Fiscal Year USPS Headquarters Managers and Field Installation Heads: Follow-up Action for the Semi-Annual Capital Property Review PULL-OUT INFORMATION Fraud Invalid Express Mail Corporate Account Numbers Missing, Lost, or Stolen U.S. Money Order Forms Missing, Lost, or Stolen Canadian Money Order Forms Verifying U.S. Postal Service Money Orders Counterfeit Canadian Money Order Forms Toll-Free Number Available to Verify Canadian Money Orders Other Information Overseas Military/Diplomatic Mail Thrift Savings Plan Fact Sheet Postal Bulletin Index Semi-Annual Index PB ( ) Romare Bearden Stamp USPS National Emergency Hotline Is your facility operating? Call Also on the Web at about.usps.com/postal-bulletin

3 Cover Story postal bulletin ( ) 3 Cover Story Business Connect Quarterly Contest Kit The Business Connect Quarterly Contest for Quarter 1, Fiscal Year (FY) 2012, runs from October 1, 2011, to December 31, 2011, to promote international shipping and Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM ) The objective is to conduct a minimum of five Business Connect activities, to include three customer meetings or events about our international shipping services plus two customer meetings or events continuing to promote EDDM. The Business Connect postmaster kit includes the following materials: Letter to s and Station and Branch Managers (see Exhibit A, page 4). Read this letter to learn about the promotional materials and how to use them. Contest Guide (see Exhibit B, pages 5 6). Refer to this guide for contest guidelines, presentation tips, and key messages. Inventory Reference Sheet (see Exhibit C, pages 7 8). Order the materials on this sheet from the Business Connect Data Center (BCDC) order site (while supplies last) to promote our international shipping services and EDDM. International Business and Shipping DVD (see Exhibit D, page 9). Play this DVD for businesses during an International Business and Shipping group event. International Shipping Folder Leave-Behind (see Exhibit E, page 10). Give the folder to customers after you meet with them and to attendees when you host a group event for International Business and Shipping Carrier Tear Pads (see Exhibit F, page 11). Distribute the sheets to your letter/rural carriers to share with customers. Use material from your Quarter 3 EDDM kit to continue to promote EDDM to local businesses. Note: If needed, you can order more leave-behinds from the BCDC order site at welcome.htm; in the right side box, click Go to Business Connect Data Center/Reports. You may also order past materials (such as tear pads) from inventory to support your efforts. Kits should arrive in offices by the last week in September. The kit is also available for downloading from the BCDC at Sales Operations and Planning, Sales,

4 4 postal bulletin ( ) Cover Story Exhibit A, Letter to s and Station and Branch Managers

5 Cover Story postal bulletin ( ) 5 Exhibit B, Contest Guide (pg. 1 of 2)

6 6 postal bulletin ( ) Cover Story Exhibit B, Contest Guide (pg. 2 of 2)

7 Cover Story postal bulletin ( ) 7 Exhibit C, Inventory Reference Sheet (pg. 1 of 2)

8 8 postal bulletin ( ) Cover Story Exhibit C, Inventory Reference Sheet (pg. 2 of 2)

9 Cover Story postal bulletin ( ) 9 Exhibit D, International Business and Shipping DVD

10 10 postal bulletin ( ) Cover Story Exhibit E, International Shipping Folder Leave-Behind

11 Cover Story postal bulletin ( ) 11 Exhibit F, Carrier Tear Pads

12 12 postal bulletin ( ) Policies, Procedures, and Forms Updates Policies, Procedures, and Forms Updates Manuals DMM Revision: USPS Return Services Effective November 7, 2011, the Postal Service will revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM ) 126.1, 136.1, and 705 to introduce new options designed for the return of merchandise, and to add a new subchapter 505 to consolidate all other USPS return service standards. Many merchants prefer to provide convenience labels to their customers for the return of goods purchased by paying shipping charges from the merchant s account. Current return options provided by the Postal Service often require a weighing and rating process that can be inefficient for both the Postal Service and the merchant. To provide a more comprehensive selection, the Postal Service is introducing: Priority Mail Return Service: An expedited return service that will be processed through USPS networks similarly to Priority Mail outbound parcels. First-Class Package Return Service: A lightweight return service that will be processed similarly to First- Class Mail outbound parcels. Ground Return Service: A ground return service that will be processed similarly to Parcel Post outbound parcels. These optional services feature processing, transportation, pricing, and service objectives that correspond with their respective outbound products. With this revision, the Postal Service will implement an optional supporting postage payment program called scan-based payment (SBP), with some similarities to the current Electronic Verification System (evs ). The SBP program will record data from delivery, acceptance, and other USPS scanning events, and will use this data to debit the permit holder s account. The SBP program uses a statistically valid sampling program to calculate postage, in lieu of weighing and rating each individual piece. This program will be available for customers who receive a minimum of 10,000 combined SBP parcel returns at one location for Priority Mail Return Service, First-Class Package Return Service, and Ground Return Service only. Mailpieces bearing traditional Merchandise Return Service (MRS) and Bulk Parcel Return Service (BPRS) markings are not eligible for SBP. Participation in SBP is a requirement for any of the USPS returns options. The pricing for these new returns options will be based on the existing pricing schedules for their corresponding outbound products. The Postal Service will also offer commercial base pricing for each of the three new returns service options, predicated on the use of a USPS-approved barcoded label and participation in the SBP program. Commercial base pricing for Ground Return Service will parallel that for regular Parcel Post pricing. Commercial plus pricing is available only for Priority Mail Return Service and First-Class Package Return Service, and is available to mailers who meet the qualifications for commercial base pricing and: Have cumulative Priority Mail Return Service and First-Class Package Return Service volume exceeding a combined total of 25,000 return pieces in the previous calendar year, or Have cumulative returns commercial plus cubic volume exceeding a combined total of 85,000 pieces returned in approved packaging in the previous calendar year, or Have cumulative returns and outbound volume exceeding a combined total of 90,000 pieces in the previous calendar year, or Have a signed commercial plus returns customer commitment agreement with USPS. The Postal Service is also providing a process to obtain scan data for mailpieces addressed to participating merchants when their customers pay their own postage for return parcels. Within this process, tracking barcodes will be applied when customers pay retail postage for mailpieces being returned to a participating merchant, at an Automated Postal Center (APC ) or at a retail window with Point of Service (POS) ONE capability. Tracking information will then be made available at no additional charge. For more information on this process, contact your local shipping solutions specialist. This new suite of mailing choices, under the umbrella of USPS returns, enables the Postal Service to offer competitive return shipping options that meet the service needs of customers. These new options will streamline the process for doing business with USPS by including barcodes on every piece, a streamlined payment protocol, enhanced tracking, and more label distribution choices. The new options will also enable the Postal Service to better identify shipments, while providing customers with tracking and visibility in a simple and convenient process. Mailers may begin the application process for the new returns options immediately.

13 Policies, Procedures, and Forms Updates postal bulletin ( ) 13 Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 100 Retail Mail 120 Priority Mail 126 Deposit 1.0 Deposit [Add a new 1.3 as follows:] 1.3 Returns The USPS Priority Mail Return Service retail option is available either via an Automated Postal Center (APC) transaction or at a retail window with Point of Service (POS) One capability. The Postal Service will apply a tracking barcode to these pieces and provide tracking information, including confirmation of delivery. 130 First-Class Mail 136 Deposit 1.0 Deposit for First-Class Mail [Add a new 1.2 as follows:] 1.2 Returns The USPS First Class Package Return Service retail option is available either via an Automated Postal Center (APC) transaction or at a retail window with Point of Service (POS) One capability. The Postal Service will apply a tracking barcode to these pieces and provide tracking information, including confirmation of delivery. 150 Parcel Post 156 Deposit 1.0 Deposit for Parcel Post [Add a new 1.7 as follows:] 1.7 Returns The USPS Ground Return Service retail option is available either via an Automated Postal Center (APC) transaction or at a retail window with Point of Service (POS) One capability. The Postal Service will apply a tracking barcode to these pieces and provide tracking information, including confirmation of delivery. 500 Additional Mailing Services [Add new 505 as follows:] 505 Return Services [Move current , Business Reply Mail (BRM), and renumber as new ] [Move current , Permit Reply Mail, and renumber as new ] [Move current , Merchandise Return Service, and renumber as new ] [Add a new as follows:]. 4.0 USPS Return Services 4.1 Description Priority Mail Return Service, First-Class Package Return Service, and Ground Return Service provide return service options to customers who meet the standards in this section. Except as provided below, restricted material described in , and live animals under , any mailable matter may be mailed using any of the USPS Return Service options. Any content that constitutes First- Class Mail matter may only be mailed using Priority Mail Return Service or using First-Class Package Return Service at commercial plus prices. All USPS Return Service labels, except those using Parcel Return Service, must include an Intelligent Mail package barcode. Mailers using Priority Mail Return Service, First-Class Package Return Service, or Ground Return Service must participate in a scan-based payment program (SBP) under Permits, Authorizations, and Fees Permit Fee An annual Merchandise Return Service permit fee, under 3.1.1, is required for the return services described in Advance Deposit Account and Account Maintenance Fee The participant must pay postage through an advance deposit account and must pay a Merchandise Return Service annual account maintenance fee, under 3.1.2, for the return services described in Extra Services Only USPS insurance for items with a value of $200 or less can be purchased by the mailer at retail for Priority Mail Return Service, First-Class Package Return Service, and Ground Return Service.

14 14 postal bulletin ( ) Policies, Procedures, and Forms Updates 4.4 Pricing Commercial Base Prices Commercial base prices are available for permit holders receiving mailpieces under 4.0 bearing USPS-authorized labels and participating in a scan-based payment program (SBP) under Commercial Plus Prices Permit holders may combine cumulative volumes for Priority Mail Return Service and First-Class Package Return Service. Eligibility for commercial plus prices are available to permit holders who qualify for commercial base prices, and at least one of the following: a. Have cumulative Priority Mail Return Service, First- Class Package Return Service, and Ground Return Service volume exceeding a combined total of 25,000 return pieces in the previous calendar year. b. Have cumulative returns commercial plus cubic volume exceeding a combined total of 85,000 pieces returned in approved packaging in the previous calendar year. c. Have cumulative returns and outbound volume exceeding a combined total of 90,000 pieces in the previous calendar year. d. Have a signed commercial plus returns customer commitment agreement with USPS. 4.5 Computing Postage Postage is calculated based on the weight of the parcel and zone, except for First-Class Package Return Service, for which postage is based on the weight of the parcel. Commercial base and commercial plus customers must pay postage under and via an evs/caps account. 4.6 Label Requirements Label Preparation Returns labels must be certified by the USPS for use prior to distribution as defined in the authorization letter. In addition, permit holders must obtain USPS certification for barcode symbology. Any photographic, mechanical, or electronic process or any combination of these processes may be used to produce labels. Labels must be prepared in accordance with 708.5, PUB 91, and PUB Labeling Methods Permit holders or their agents may distribute approved USPS Return Service labels and instructions by any of the following methods: a. As an enclosure with merchandise when initially shipped, or as a separate label mailed by the permit holder to the customer. If the reverse side of the label bears an adhesive, it must be strong enough to bond the label securely to the mailpiece. b. As an electronic file created by the permit holder for local printing by the customer Label Instructions Permit holders or their agents must provide written instructions to the label end-user (mailer) directing them as follows: a. If not already printed in the return address area, print your name and address (or attach a return address label) in this area. b. Attach the return label squarely onto the largest side of the mailpiece, centered when possible. Place the label at least one inch from any edge of the parcel, so that it does not fold over to another side. Do not put any tape over any barcodes on the label. c. If reusing the original container, cover your delivery address, barcodes, and any other postal information on the container with the return label. If it is not possible to cover all that information, remove the old labels, mark them out completely with a permanent marker, or cover them completely with blank labels that cannot be seen through. If the labels cannot be removed or completely obscured or if the original container is no longer sound, use a new box to return the merchandise and attach the return label to the new box. d. Mail the labeled parcel at a Post Office, drop it in a collection box, leave it with a letter carrier, or schedule a carrier pickup at USPS.com Label Format Elements USPS Return Services standard label sizes are 3 inches by 6 inches, 4 inches by 4 inches, or 4 inches by 6 inches. All other label sizes require written approval from the National Customer Support Center (NCSC). The label must accommodate all required elements. All labels, except those using Parcel Return Service, must be prepared according to and must include an Intelligent Mail package barcode. All USPS Returns label elements must be legible. 4.7 Priority Mail Return Service Description Priority Mail Return Service is an expedited service and may contain any mailable matter weighing no more than 70 pounds. Lower weight limits apply to commercial plus cubic (see 1.1.4), APO/FPO mail is subject to and , and Department of State mail is subject to Service Objectives Priority Mail Return Service receives expeditious handling and transportation, with service standards in accordance with Priority Mail Prices and Eligibility Priority Mail Return Service items mailed under a specific customer agreement is charged postage according to the

15 Policies, Procedures, and Forms Updates postal bulletin ( ) 15 individual agreement. Otherwise Priority Mail Return Service eligibility is under 4.7. Commercial base and commercial plus prices are the same as for outbound Priority Mail in Notice Labels Labels must be prepared under 4.6. See exhibit 4.7.5a. Exhibit 4.7.5a Priority Mail Return Service Label Example Prices and Eligibility First-Class Package Return Service eligibility of contents is the same as for outbound First-Class Package Service parcels under 433. Parcels weighing more than 13 ounces but less than 16 ounces may be included in the eligibility calculation for commercial plus prices, and parcels weighing 13 ounces or less are eligible for commercial base prices Labels Labels must be prepared under 4.6. See Exhibit 4.8.4a. Exhibit 4.8.4a First-Class Mail Package Return Service Label Example 4.9 Ground Return Service 4.8 First-Class Package Return Service Description First-Class Package Return Service is an expedited service. Items subject to commercial base First-Class Package Service parcel prices may contain any mailable merchandise matter weighing no more than 13 ounces. Items subject to commercial plus First-Class Package Service parcel prices may contain any mailable matter weighing less than 16 ounces. Parcels greater than 13 ounces will be charged the 1-pound Priority Mail price unless they are eligible for commercial plus prices for items over 13 ounces but less than 16 ounces Service Objectives First-Class Package Return Service receives expeditious handling and transportation, with service standards in accordance with First-Class Mail Description Ground Return Service provides ground transportation for mailpieces containing mailable matter weighing no more than 70 pounds and meeting the content standards in Service Objectives Ground Return Service assumes the handing and transportation and service objectives for delivery of Parcel Post Prices and Eligibility Ground Return Service mailpieces are charged per pound; any fraction of a pound is rounded up to the next whole pound. The minimum postage amount per addressed piece is the 1-pound price. Ground Return Service eligibility and prices are the same as for outbound Parcel Post.

16 16 postal bulletin ( ) Policies, Procedures, and Forms Updates Labels Labels must be prepared in accordance with 4.6. See Exhibit 4.9.4a. Exhibit 4.9.4a Ground Return Service Label Example [Revise the current graphic for item 5.4.5b by deleting the word SELECT in the legend.] [Move current , Bulk Parcel Return Service, and renumber as new ] 600 Basic Standards for All Mailing Services 608 Postal Information and Resources 8.0 USPS Contact Information [Move current , Parcel Return Service, and renumber as new ] 5.0 Parcel Return Service 5.4 Label Formats PRS Label Format Examples The following are PRS label format examples. Note: The ZIP Code appears in each example for demonstration purposes only. [Revise item 5.4.5a by deleting the word Select as follows:] a. Parcel Return Service label using a separate PRS barcode and postal routing barcode. [Revise the current graphic for item 5.4.5a by deleting the word SELECT in the legend.] [Revise item 5.4.5b by deleting the word Select as follows:] b. Parcel Return Service label using a concatenated barcode. 8.1 Postal Service [Add the following new addresses to 8.1 in alphabetical order:] New Business Opportunities US Postal Service 475 L Enfant Plz SW Rm 5407 Washington DC Domestic Products US Postal Service 475 L Enfant Plz SW Rm 5337 Washington DC Special Standards 705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems [Add new part as follows:] 24.0 Scan-based Payment 24.1 Basic Information Description The scan-based payment (SBP) program is designed to calculate postage based on sampling, rather than weighing and rating each individual piece. Participation in this program, subject to application and authorization, is available for customers who receive a minimum of 10,000 combined SBP parcel returns to a single location in through Prices are calculated as follows: a. Applicants are provided with an initial agreed-upon uniform price per mailpiece, from the published price schedules, though an initial USPS/mailer agreement.

17 Policies, Procedures, and Forms Updates postal bulletin ( ) 17 b. Mailpieces are identified by the presence of one or more USPS scan events. c. Program volume is sampled for each participant, and an adjusted average uniform price, from the published price schedules, is developed through revolving 4-week sampling periods. During these sampling periods, postage and fees are assessed based upon the weight and zone of sampled pieces. d. The participant s initial uniform price, from the published price schedules, is adjusted in accordance with the result of the sampling. e. A new SBP value is calculated and applied monthly, based on the previous 4 weeks of sampling data. The adjusted uniform price, from the published price schedules, will become effective on the 11th of each month. f. If there is a general change in the published price schedules, prices under this program will automatically adjust to reflect the new prices Eligibility SBP participation may be authorized for applicants who receive a minimum of 10,000 combined returns per year at a single destination. Returns include Ground Return Service, First-Class Package Return Service, Priority Mail Return Service, and Parcel Return Service shipments. Only parcels and flat rate parcels and flats may be processed through the SBP program Authorization Application Application for this program is available through the Business Customer Gateway via the USPS.com website Approval The manager, New Business Opportunities authorizes participation in this program. If the application is approved, an authorization letter is provided to the mailer Denial If the application is denied, the mailer may file a written appeal within 15 days from the receipt of the notice, including additional evidence explaining why the SBP request should be approved, to the vice president, Domestic Products (see for address) who reviews the appeal and issues the final agency decision Authorization Period Authorization remains in effect until the manager, New Business Opportunities or the customer cancels the agreement. The authorization or agreement may be modified with concurrence by the manager, New Business Opportunities and the mailer USPS Suspension The manager, New Business Opportunities may suspend an SBP authorization at any time, pending investigation, if the authorization does not provide adequate revenue protection, or the customer (or agent) fails to meet the criteria established by the authorization. The decision to suspend the authorization may be appealed to the vice president, Domestic Products within 15 days of the receipt of the notice, by submitting a written appeal with explanation Mailer Cancellation The customer may cancel an SBP authorization by writing to the manager, New Business Opportunities. Customers are responsible for payment on all outstanding packages even after cancellation of the SBP agreement Price Adjustment Each price change will take effect on the 11th of the month. Following a price adjustment, the customer will have 10 days to dispute the change in writing to the manager, New Business Opportunities. We will incorporate these revisions into the next monthly update of the online DMM, which is available via Postal Explorer at Product Classification, Pricing, DMM Revision: Service Standards for Express Mail Military Service Effective October 3, 2011, the Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM ) , which clarifies the USPS service commitment for Express Mail items sent to and from APO/FPO and DPO destinations. After a review of the logistical network that supports the transportation and delivery of the Express Mail Military Service (EMMS) product, the Postal Service, in conjunction with the Military Postal Service Agency (MPSA), is revising the service commitment from a universal 2- to 3-day standard, to one which accurately reflects the actual number of days necessary to deliver the mail to the overseas Military Post Office (MPO), which is currently 3 to 5 business days. In addition, the Postal Service has updated the Service Delivery Calculator available at expressmailcommitments/landing.jsp to include MPO/DPO ZIP Codes so that customers will be accurately informed at time of mailing of the scheduled delivery date for their EMMS shipment.

18 18 postal bulletin ( ) Policies, Procedures, and Forms Updates Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual, (DMM) 700 Special Standards 703 Nonprofit Standard Mail and Other Unique Eligibility 2.0 Overseas Military Mail 2.6 Express Mail Military Service (EMMS) Designated Acceptance Sites [Revise text of as follows:] EMMS is available at Post Offices for delivery to designated APO/FPO and DPO 5-digit ZIP Code locations. In addition, EMMS is available at designated APO/FPO and DPO Post Offices for delivery to the United States. Delivery time is typically 3 to 5 business days depending on origin and destination; however, the scheduled delivery date is determined at the time of mailing. EMMS is not available between APO/FPO and DPO destinations Service Limitation [Revise text of as follows:] EMMS may not be available at or between all Post Offices. An EMMS directory, showing EMMS APO/FPO and DPO ZIP Code availability, can be obtained at apo_fpo/documents/tech_guides/emmsdirectory.pdf. [Revise title and text of as follows:] States) are available for delivery at the destination APO/ FPO or DPO Post Office by 3 p.m. on the designated delivery day unless the designated delivery day is a weekend or holiday; in such cases, the item is available for delivery on the next business day. [Revise title and text of as follows:] Post Office to Addressee From APO/FPO and DPO Locations Under EMMS Post Office to Addressee service, items mailed from APO/FPO and DPO locations (going to the United States) are delivered to an addressee within the delivery area of the destination Post Office by noon or 3 p.m. on the designated delivery day Mailing Label [Revise text of as follows:] For each EMMS item, the mailer must complete mailing Label 11-B or Label 11-F (for Post Office to Addressee Service). Mailers authorized to present EMMS items using an Express Mail Manifesting System are required to follow label preparation procedures in Publication 97, Express Mail Manifesting Business and Technical Guide Customs Declaration [Revise text of as follows:] For each EMMS item, the mailer may also have to complete a customs declaration under We will incorporate these revisions into the next monthly update of the online DMM, which is available via Postal Explorer at Product Classification, Pricing, Post Office to Addressee To APO/FPO and DPO Destinations Under EMMS Post Office to Addressee service, items mailed to APO/FPO and DPO destinations (from the United DMM Revision: Post Office Box Fee Groups for Merged Locations Effective November 7, 2011, the Postal Service will revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM ) to allow Post Office Box (PO Box ) fee groups to be merged into a single location due to Post Office mergers and to have the ability to change a fee group more than one higher or lower level at a time in limited circumstances. Current mailing standards limit changes for a PO Box fee group assignment for a 5-digit ZIP Code to one level higher or lower, and only once per calendar year. Absent this change, where a box section is merged with a ZIP Code location whose box section is more than one fee group level different, the location would need to charge two different fee groups. This revision will allow the fee group of the merged (receiving) location to apply to all customers receiving PO Box service in that location. This rule does not affect the standards for Group E PO Box eligibility. Prior to any such merger, existing PO Box customers will have the option to renew their box rentals at their cur-

19 Policies, Procedures, and Forms Updates postal bulletin ( ) 19 rent fees for another period, even if the resulting fee will have been paid for more than 1 year in advance. This revision reflects the final rule Federal Register notice published on September 6, 2011 (76 FR ), which can be found on Postal Explorer at Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 500 Additional Mailing Services 508 Recipient Services 4.0 Post Office Box Service 4.5 Basis of Fees and Payment Fee Changes [Revise as follows:] A change in Post Office Box service fees applicable to a 5- digit ZIP Code can arise from a general fee change. In addition, the USPS may assign a fee group to a new ZIP Code, may reassign one or more 5-digit ZIP Codes to the next higher or lower fee group if fee group assignments were in error, or may regroup 5-digit ZIP Codes. Except when boxes from two or more ZIP Codes are being merged into one location, a ZIP Code may be moved only into the next higher or lower fee group. If boxes in two or more ZIP Codes merge, the fee group will be that of the receiving location, even if one of the fee groups changes by more than one level. No ZIP Code may be moved into a different fee group more than once a calendar year. A change in Post Office Box service fees takes effect on the date of the action that caused the change unless an official announcement specifies another date. If Post Office Box service fees are increased, no customer must pay the new price until the end of the current service period, and no retroactive adjustment will be made for a payment received before the date of the change. The fee charged is that in effect on the date of payment Payment [Revise the introductory text of as follows:] All fees for Post Office Box service are for 6- or 12-month prepaid periods, except as noted under 4.5.6, 4.5.7, and The general rule is that a fee may be paid up to 1 year in advance; however, when boxes from two or more ZIP Codes are being merged into one location, a customer has the option, prior to the merger, to renew at the current fee for another rental period, even when this results in a fee being paid more than 1 year in advance. Customers may pay the fee using any of the following methods: Payment Period [Revise as follows:] Except under 4.5.7, the beginning date for a Post Office Box fee payment period is determined by the approval date of the application. The period begins on the first day of the same month if the application is approved on or before the 15th of the month, or the next month if approved after the 15th of the month. Fees for service renewal may be paid any time during the last 30 days of the service period, except under 4.5.4, but no later than the last day of the service period Change of Payment Period [Revise as follows:] Except for customers at Post Offices subject to 4.5.7, a Post Office Box customer of record may change the payment period by submitting a new application noting the month to be used as the start of the revised payment period. The date selected must be before the end of the current payment period. The unused fee for the period being discontinued may be refunded under 4.7, and the fee for the new payment period must be fully paid in advance. Except when boxes from two or more ZIP Codes are being merged into one location, a change of payment period date must not be used to circumvent a change in box fees. 4.6 Fee Group Assignments Regular Fee Groups [Revise as follows:] For Post Office Box fee groups, see Notice 123, Price List. Post Office Boxes are assigned to fee groups and classified as competitive or market dominant based upon the Post Office location. Local Post Offices can provide information about fees for a particular ZIP Code. We will incorporate these revisions into the next monthly update of the online DMM, which is available via Postal Explorer at Product Classification, Pricing,

20 20 postal bulletin ( ) Policies, Procedures, and Forms Updates Publications Publication 75, Mover s Guide, News The October 2011 issue of Publication 75, Mover s Guide is in process of being shipped to all Post Office facilities. All shipments should be received by September 30, As of October 1, 2011, recycle all expired versions. The cover of the Mover s Guide envelope now includes color-coded up/down arrows along with the in-market dates to convey its effective quarter. The corresponding color code of the up/down arrow for the October 2011 issue is orange. Mover s Guide Information Offices will receive copies of Mover s Guide in one or two shipments. The first shipments will arrive at the end of September. The second shipments will arrive 3 to 5 weeks later. Shipments are sent in quantities of 25, 100, and 300. Your facility may receive copies of Mover s Guide addressed to other offices. Break down each pallet in accordance with the posted plaque, check the labels, and forward the guides as appropriate. Behind the Counter Program Below are a few points about program compliance: Effective immediately, sales and service associates may no longer distribute more than three copies of Mover s Guide per customer. Instruct customers who need more than three copies to change their additional address(es) online at Copies of Mover s Guide must be kept behind the counter. No copies of Mover s Guide should be placed in the inner or outer lobby or on the clerk counters. If you have copies of Mover s Guide in the lobby at this time, remove them and place them behind the counter. Retail associates should first encourage their customers requesting change-of-address materials to go online at ICOA transactions provide customers with the most convenient, safe, and secure way to change their address. Customers unwilling or unable to submit their change of address at should be given a complete, unopened copy of Mover s Guide. The envelope contains instructions and valuable offers that generate revenue for the Postal Service. When you throw out the envelope and its contents, the Postal Service loses money. Note: The Mover s Guide Behind the Counter Program is part of the ad-hoc section of the 2010 Retail Customer Experience Program, so it is critical that your Post Office be compliant with the program throughout the year by keeping copies of Mover s Guide out of Post Office lobbies. ICOA Message Card Information If your Post Office has an ICOA Message Card display, do not throw it away. The display is required to be in the lobby and expected to have the ICOA Message Cards in it at all times. Replenishment cards and updated banners are mailed with your Mover s Guide shipments. If your Post Office does not have an ICOA Message Card display, you must call the replenishment phone number below for ICOA Message Card replenishment. If any Post Office runs out of ICOA Message Cards between shipments, call Imagitas at for replenishment. All Post Offices must have ICOA Message Cards in their lobbies for customer reference. Inventory Management Resources: Mover s Guide and ICOA Message Card To change the quantity of your shipments, call Imagitas at or visit L4CustServSupp_Mover.htm. For further information, visit our FAQs at blue.usps.gov/retail/_siteops/_pdf/ moveguide_faqs_12jan07.pdf. Businesses and organizations must purchase their copies of the Mover s Guide and can obtain order forms by calling Imagitas at Address Management, Product Information,

21 Pull-Out Information postal bulletin ( ) 21 Pull-Out Information Fraud Invalid Express Mail Corporate Account Numbers This listing should be provided to Contract Postal Units and used by acceptance clerks in non-pos locations without intranet access to validate an Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) number online. For all other locations, online EMCA validation is preferred. The online validation process is outlined in the EMCA Validation SOP on the Retail webpage. This list supersedes all previous notices, which must be recycled. Acceptance clerks must not accept Express Mail shipments bearing an invalid EMCA number in the Payment by Account or Agreement Number section of the Express Mail label or form. Note: The first 6 digits of a 9-digit Custom Designed Service and Next Day Pickup Agreement make up the Corporate Account Number PULL-OUT INFORMATION

22 22 postal bulletin ( ) Pull-Out Information Product Information Requirements, Mail Entry & Payment Technology, Missing, Lost, or Stolen U.S. Money Order Forms Do Not Cash Upon Receipt, Notify Local Postal Inspectors This listing will be provided to all Postal Service employees responsible for accepting and cashing postal money orders. Destroy all interim notices when the numbers listed appear in the Postal Bulletin. The actual serial numbers consist of the first 10 digits on the money orders. Check for altered dollar amounts by holding money orders to the light to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to 0599

23 Pull-Out Information postal bulletin ( ) to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to 5540