



Chapter 1 Domestic Mail Services

110 General Information

111 Scope

111.1 General.
This manual contains the regulations of the United States Postal Service
governing its domestic mail services.  These regulations include the rates for
postage and restrictions on its use, descriptions of the classes of mail and
special services and conditions governing their use, requirements for wrapping
and mailing, explanations of collection and delivery services, and general
provisions concerning the use of postal services and facilities.

111.2 Definition

111.21 Domestic Mail.
Domestic mail is mail transmitted within, among, and between the United
States; its territories and possessions; the areas comprising the former Canal
Zone; Army/Air Force (APO) and Navy (FPO) post offices, except as provided in
115.9; and mail for delivery to the United Nations, New York.  The
term "territories and possessions" includes:


Baker Island
Canton Island
Caroline Islands
Enderbury Island
Guam
Howland Island
Jarvis Island
Johnston Island
Kingman Reef
Manua Island
Republic of the Marshall Islands
Midway Islands
Navassa Island
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Palau
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Saint Croix Island
Saint John Island
Saint Thomas Island
Samoa (American)
Sand Island
Swain's Island
Trust Territory of the Pacific
Virgin Islands (U.S.)
Wake Island


111.22 International Mail.
Mail addressed to or received from foreign countries is international mail
and is governed by the provisions of the International Mail Manual.

111.3 Mailer Responsibilities

111.31 Compliance with Regulations.
Notwithstanding any statement contained in this manual or the statements of
any employee of the United States Postal Service, the burden rests with the
mailer to comply with the prescribed laws and regulations governing domestic
mail.

111.32 Payment of Postage.
All mailings are accepted based on an examination of the mailing and, where
applicable, the accompanying mailing statement prepared by the mailer.  The
signature of a postal employee on the mailing statement, and the subsequent
acceptance of the mailing, do not constitute verified accuracy of that
statement, and do not limit the Postal Service's ability to demand proper
payment after acceptance when it becomes apparent such payment was not made.

111.4  Applicability of Terms

111.41 Masculine Pronoun.
Terms in this manual referring to only one sex, such as the pronoun "he,"
apply to persons of either sex, unless the context of the usage indicates
otherwise.

111.42 Singular Form.
Terms in this manual in the singular form also apply to the plural, unless
the context of the usage indicates otherwise.

111.43 Postmaster.
The term "postmaster" also applies to an officer-in-charge, if the
postmaster position is vacant.

111.5 Availability and Distribution

111.51 Postal Service Facilities.
Copies of the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) may be inspected upon
request at USPS Headquarters, regional offices, and all domestic post offices,
stations, and branches during normal business hours. Regional offices are in
Windsor, CT; Philadelphia, PA; Memphis, TN; Chicago, IL; and San Bruno, CA.

111.52 Office of the Federal Register.
A copy of the DMM is filed at the Office of the Federal Register, National
Archives and Records Administration (for address, see Address List in
Appendices).

111.53 Public Subscription.
Copies of the DMM may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents of
the U.S. Government Printing Office.  A subscription order form appears on the
last page of this document.

111.54 Revisions.
Revisions to the DMM are frequently published in the Federal
Register.
112 Private Express Statutes

112.1 Who May Carry Letters.
By a group of laws known as the Private Express Statutes, Congress has
generally conferred upon the Postal Service the exclusive right to carry
letters for others over post routes.

112.2 Implementing Regulations.
The Postal Service's regulations under the Private Express Statutes are
published in the Code of Federal Regulations, 39 CFR Parts 310 and 320, as
amended from time to time by final rules published in the Federal
Register.  These regulations take precedence over any inconsistent
material in prior rulings and publications of the Postal Service.  Copies of
the regulations may be obtained from the Postal Service Assistant General
Counsel, General Administrative Law Division (for address, see Address List in
Appendices).

112.3 General Coverage

112.31 Definition of Letter.
For purposes of the Private Express Statutes, a "letter" is defined as a
message directed to a specific person or address and recorded in or on a
tangible object.  A "message" consists of any information or intelligence
which can be recorded on tangible objects including, but not limited to, paper
in sheet or card form, recording disks, and magnetic tapes.

112.32 Exclusions.
Certain matter is excluded from the definition of the term "letter," such
as telegrams; checks and certain other instruments when shipped to, from, or
between financial institutions; newspapers; and periodicals.  Other exclusions
are described in the regulations.

112.33 Payment of Postage.
If the proper postage is paid, the letters may be privately carried without
violating the Private Express Statutes.  The details to be complied with in
cases of this kind are outlined in the regulations.

112.34 Exceptions.
Under certain circumstances, letters may be carried privately and without
paying postage.  The principal exceptions cover letters sent with, and relate
in all substantial respects to, some part of the cargo or to the ordering,
shipping, or delivering of the cargo; letters carried by the senders or the
recipients, or by their regular salaried employees; and letters carried to or
from a postal facility where they are to be or have been carried in the mail.
Details concerning these and other exceptions are found in the regulations.

112.35 Suspensions.
Limited suspensions of the Private Express Statutes specify the conditions
under which (a) private couriers may carry data-processing materials,
international ocean carrier documents, extremely urgent letters, and
advertisements that are incidental to the shipment of accompanying merchandise
or periodicals, and (b) universities and colleges may carry the letters of
their student and faculty organizations.  Carriers wishing to use the
suspension for data-processing materials must file a notice of their intention
on a form obtainable from the Private Express Liaison Officer.  The details of
the suspension are set out in Postal Service regulations (see
112.2).  The form can be obtained from the Postal Service Private
Express Liaison Officer, Marketing Department (for address, see Address List
in Appendices).
112.4 Violations.
Possible violations of the Private Express Statutes should be brought to
the attention of the Inspection Service.

112.5 Advice on the Meaning of Private Express Statutes and Regulations.
Members of the public and postal officials may obtain authoritative advice,
including written advisory opinions, by contacting the Postal Service Law
Department (for address, see Address List in Appendices).



113 Service in Post Offices

113.1 Establishment of Post Offices

113.11 Where Established.
Post offices, and branches and stations, are established and maintained at
locations considered necessary for the convenience of the postal customer.

113.12 Requirements

113.121 Post Offices.
Post offices are established when the Postal Service cannot give adequate
service through the post office, station, or branch serving the area; through
a new station or branch; or by an extension of city, rural, or highway
contract route delivery.  While there is no fixed minimum population
requirement for the establishment of an independent post office, this factor
is considered.  Post offices are not established solely for community identity.

113.122 Stations.
Classified, contract, and rural personnel and nonpersonnel stations are
established where needed within the service limits of an independent post
office.  Units established within the corporate limits of the city, town, or
village where the main post office is located are designated as stations.

113.123 Branches.
Classified, contract, and rural personnel and nonpersonnel branches are
established where needed within the service limits of an independent post
office.  Units established outside the corporate limits of the city, town, or
village where the main post office is located are designated as branches.  If
the parent post office is located in an unincorporated city, town, village, or
community, all postal units administratively attached to the post office are
designated as branches.

113.2 Discontinuance of Post Offices

113.21 Introduction

113.211 Coverage.
This part establishes the rules governing the Postal Service's
consideration of whether an existing post office should be discontinued. The
rules cover any proposal to replace a post office with a community post
office, station, or branch through consolidation with another post office, as
well as any proposal to discontinue a post office without providing a
replacement facility.

113.212 Requirements of Law.
Under 39 United States Code (USC) 404(b), any decision to close or
consolidate a post office must be based on certain specific criteria.  These
include the effect on the community served; the effect on employees of the
post office; compliance with Government policy established by law that the
Postal Service shall provide a maximum degree of effective and regular postal
services to rural areas, communities, and small towns where post offices are
not self-sustaining; the economic savings to the Postal Service; and any other
factors determined to be necessary by the Postal Service.  In addition,
certain mandatory procedures apply.

a.
The public must be given 60 days' notice of a proposed action in order to
enable the persons served by a post office to evaluate the proposal and
provide comments.

b.
Any final determination to close or consolidate a post office, after public
comments are received and taken into account, must be made in writing and must
include findings covering all the required considerations.

c.
The written determination must be made available to the persons served by
the office at least 60 days before the discontinuance takes effect.

d.
Within the first 30 days after the written determination is made available,
any person regularly served by the affected post office may appeal the
decision to the Postal Rate Commission.

e.
The Commission may only affirm the determination of the Postal Service or
return the matter for further consideration but may not modify the
determination.

f.
The Commission is required by 39 USC 404(b)(5) to make a determination on
the appeal no later than 120 days after receiving the appeal.

g.
A summary table of the notice and appeal periods under the statute or these
regulations appears in Exhibit 113.212.



Table for DMM 113.212

 #T101= TABC,1,5,108/TABC,2,118,103
]


for HR5
for HR6

PUBLIC NOTICE OF PROPOSAL



60-Day
Comment Period


As Long As Needed
For Consideration of
Comments and Internal
Review



PUBLIC NOTICE OF FINAL DECISION

30 Days
For Filing AnyAt Least
Appeal60-Day Wait
Before Closing

Post Office

120 Days
For Appeal
Consideration
and Decision


Exhibit 113.212]




Exhibit 113.212

PUBLIC NOTICE OF PROPOSAL
60-DAY
COMMENT PERIOD
AS LONG AS NEEDED
FOR CONSIDERATION OF
COMMENTS AND INTERNAL
REVIEW
PUBLIC NOTICE OF FINAL DECISION

             30 DAYS
       FOR FILING ANY
            APPEAL                                      AT LEAST
                                                       60-DAY WAIT
                                                      BEFORE CLOSING
                                                       POST OFFICE
           120 DAYS
          FOR APPEAL
         CONSIDERATION
         AND DECISION


113.213 Additional Requirements.
Section 113.2 includes

a.
rules to ensure that the community's identity as a postal address will be
preserved, and

b.
rules for consideration of a proposed discontinuance and for its
implementation, if approved.  These rules are designed to ensure that the
reasons which lead a field division general manager/postmaster to propose the
discontinuance of a particular post office are fully articulated and disclosed
at a stage that will enable customer participation to make a helpful
contribution toward the final decision.

113.22 Preservation of Community Address

113.221 Policy.
The Postal Service permits the use of a community's separate address to the
extent practicable.

113.222 Assignment of ZIP Code.
The ZIP Code for each address formerly served from the discontinued post
office ordinarily should be the ZIP Code of the facility providing replacement
service to that address.  In appropriate circumstances, the ZIP Code
originally assigned to the discontinued post office may be retained, if the
responsible field division general manager/postmaster submits a request with
justification to the Office of Address Information Systems, Headquarters,
before the proposal to discontinue the post office is posted.

a.
In the case of a consolidation, the ZIP Code provided for the replacement
community post office, station, or branch will be (1) either the ZIP Code
originally assigned to the discontinued post office or (2) the ZIP Code of the
replacement facility's parent post office, whichever provides the most
expeditious distribution and delivery of mail addressed to the customers of
the replacement facility.

b.
If the ZIP Code is changed and the parent post office is a multi-ZIP Coded
office, the ZIP Code must be that of the delivery area within which the
facility is located.

113.223 Post Office Name in Address.
If all the delivery addresses using the name of the post office to be
discontinued are assigned the same ZIP Code, each customer may continue to use
the name of the discontinued post office in his address, instead of changing
to or adding the name of the post office from which delivery is provided after
the discontinuance.

113.224 Name of Facility Established by Consolidation.
If a post office to be discontinued is to be consolidated with one or more
other post offices by establishing in the place of the discontinued post
office, a community post office, classified or contract station, or branch
affiliated with another post office involved in the consolidation, the name of
the replacement unit will be the same as the name of the discontinued post
office.

113.225 List of Discontinued Post Offices.
The names of all post offices discontinued after March 14, 1977, are listed
in an appropriate manner in Postal Service official directories, such as
Publication 65, National Five-Digit ZIP Code and Post Office Directory,
for mailing address purposes only, as long as they are used in addresses.
The ZIP Codes listed for discontinued offices will be those assigned under
113.2.

113.23 Initial Proposal

113.231 General.
If a field division general manager/postmaster believes that the
discontinuance of a post office within his responsibility may be warranted,
the field division general manager/postmaster

a.
must apply the standards and procedures in 113.23 and
113.24,

b.
must investigate the situation, and

c.
may propose the post office be discontinued.

113.232 Consolidation.
The proposed action may include a consolidation of post offices to
substitute a community post office or a classified or contract station or
branch for the discontinued post office

a.
if the communities served by two or more post offices are being merged into
a single incorporated village, town, or city; or

b.
if providing a replacement facility is necessary to maintain regular and
effective service to the area served by the post office being considered for
discontinuance.

113.233 Views of Postmasters.
Whether the discontinuance under consideration involves a consolidation or
not, the field division general manager/postmaster must

a.
discuss the matter with the postmaster (or the officer-in-charge, if there
is a vacancy in the postmaster position) of the post office being considered
for discontinuance, and with the postmaster of any other post office that
would be affected by the change; and

b.
encourage these officials to submit their comments and suggestions in
writing to be made part of the record for further consideration and review of
the proposal.

113.234 Preparation of Written Proposal.
The field division general manager/postmaster must gather and preserve for
the record all documentation he uses to assess the proposed change.  If the
field division general manager/postmaster believes the proposed action is
warranted, he must prepare a document titled, "Proposal to (Close)
(Consolidate) the (Name) Post Office." This document must
provide a description and analysis of the proposal that is sufficient to
disclose both to higher management and to the persons served by the affected
post office the nature and justification of the proposed changes in service.
The written proposal must address each of the following matters in separate
sections:

a. Responsiveness to Community Postal Needs.
The proposal must take into account the policy of the Government, as
established by law, that the Postal Service shall provide a maximum degree of
effective and regular postal services to rural areas, communities, and small
towns where post offices are not self-sustaining.  The proposal should
contrast the services available before and after the proposed change; should
describe how the changes respond to the postal needs of the persons served by
the post office; and should highlight any particular aspects of service that
might be less advantageous to the persons served as well as those that would
be more advantageous.

b. Effect on Community.
The proposal must include an analysis of the effect the proposed
discontinuance might have on the community served by the affected post office.
 The application of the requirements in 113.22 must be discussed and
taken into account.

c. Effect on Employees.
The written proposal must include a summary of the contemplated effect of
the proposed change on the postmaster and any supervisors and other employees
of the post office proposed for discontinuance.  (The field division general
manager/postmaster must suggest measures to comply with personnel regulations
related to the discontinuance and consolidation of post offices.)

d. Economic Savings.
The proposal must include an analysis of the economic savings to be gained
by the Postal Service from the proposed action, including the cost or savings
expected from each of the major factors contributing to the overall estimate.

e. Other Factors.
The proposal should include an analysis of any other factors that the field
division general manager/postmaster determines are necessary to a complete
evaluation of the proposed change, to be weighed in favor of, or to be weighed
against, the proposed action.

f. Summary.
The proposal must include a summary that explains why the proposed action
is considered necessary, including an assessment of how those factors
supporting the need for the proposed change outweigh any negative factors. In
taking competing considerations into account, the need to provide regular and
effective service must be paramount.

g. Notice.
The proposal must include the following notice:

THIS IS A PROPOSAL.  IT IS NOT A FINAL DETERMINATION TO (CLOSE)
(CONSOLIDATE) THIS POST OFFICE.

(1)
If a final determination is made to (close) (consolidate) this post office,
after public comments on this proposal are received and taken into account, a
notice of that final determination will be posted in this post office.

(2)
The final determination will contain instructions on how affected customers
may appeal that decision to the Postal Rate Commission.  Any such appeal must
be received by the Commission within 30 days of the posting of the final
determination.

113.24 Notice, Public Comment, and Record

113.241 Posting Proposal and Comment Notice.
A copy of the written proposal, together with a signed invitation for
comments, must be prominently posted in each post office which would be
affected.  The invitation for comments must

a.
include a request that interested persons provide written comments within
60 days, to a stated address, offering specific opinions and information,
favorable or unfavorable, regarding the potential effect of the proposed
change on postal services and on the community;

b.
indicate that copies of the proposal with attached optional comment forms
are available upon request in the affected post offices; and

c.
provide a name and telephone number to call for further information and
questions.

113.242 Proposal and Comment Notice.
Exhibit 113.242 is a sample format which may be used for the
proposal and comment notice.





]
]

HR4
HR5
HR6

]for Exh. 113.242






UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
Proposal to (Close)(Consolidate) the (Name) Post Office and
Optional Comment Form


Attached is a proposal that we are considering to attempt to provide
your community's postal service more economically and efficiently, while also
providing regular and effective service.  Please read the proposal carefully
and then let us have your comments and suggestions.  If you choose, you may
use the form provided below.  Your comments will be carefully considered and
will be made part of a public record.  If you use the form provided below and
need additional room, please attach additional sheets of paper.  Return the
completed form to by.


In considering this proposal, if you have any questions you want to ask a
postal official, you may call whose telephone
number is .


I.  Effect on Your Postal Services
Please describe any favorable or unfavorable effects which you believe the
proposal would have on the regularity or effectiveness of your postal service.





II.  Effect on Your Community
Please describe any favorable or unfavorable effects which you believe the
proposal would have on your community.




 III.  Other Comments
Please provide any other view or information which you believe the Postal
Service should consider in deciding whether to adopt the proposal.







(Signature of Postal Customer)(Date)

(Mailing Address)

(City)(State)(ZIP Code)



Exhibit 113.242]




Exhibit 113.242

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE

Proposal to (Close)(Consolidate) the (Name) Post Office and Optional Comment
Form

Attached is a proposal that we are considering to attempt to provide your
community's postal service more economically and efficiently, while also
providing regular and effective service.  Please read the proposal carefully
and then let us have your comments and suggestions.  If you choose, you may
use the form provided below.  Your comments will be carefully considered and
will be made part of a public record.  If you use the form provided below and
need additional room, please attach additional sheets of paper.  Return the
completed form to xxxxxxxxxx,
by xxxxxxxxxx.

In considering this proposal, if you have any questions you want to ask a
postal official, you may call xxxxxxxxxx, whose telephone number is xxx-xxxx.

1.  Effect on Your Postal Services
Please describe any favorable or unfavorable effects which you believe the
proposal would have on the regularity or effectiveness of your postal service.


II.  Effect on Your Community
Please describe any favorable or unfavorable effects which you believe the
proposal would have on your community.


III.  Other Comments
Please provide any other view of information which you believe the Postal
Service should consider in deciding whether to adopt the proposal.


------------------------------------        ----------------------------
(Signature of Postal Customer                   (Date)

-------------------------------------------------------------
(Mailing Address)

-------------------------------------------------------------
(City)         (State)                   (ZIP Code)



113.243 Other Steps.
In addition to providing notice and inviting comment, the field division
general manager/postmaster will take any other steps necessary to ensure that
the persons served by the post office affected understand the nature and
implications of the proposed action (e.g., meeting with community groups and
following up on comments received which seem to be based on incorrect
assumptions or information).

a.
If oral contacts develop views or information not previously documented,
whether favorable or unfavorable to the proposal, the field division general
manager/postmaster should encourage persons offering the views or information
to provide written comments, in order to preserve them for the record.

b.
As a factor in making his decision, the field division general
manager/postmaster may not rely upon communications received from anyone
unless submitted in writing for the record.

113.244 Record.
The field division general manager/postmaster must maintain as part of the
record for his or her consideration and for review by the Senior Assistant
Postmaster General, Operations Support Group, all the documentation gathered
concerning the proposed change.

a.
The record must include all information that the field division general
manager/postmaster has considered, and the decision must stand on the record.
No information or views submitted by customers may be excluded, whether or not
it tends to support the proposal.

b.
The docket number assigned to the proposal must be the ZIP Code of the
office proposed for closing or consolidation.

c.
The record must include a chronological index in which each document
contained is identified and numbered as filed.

d.
As written communications are received in response to the public notice and
invitation for comments, they will be included in the record.

e.
A complete copy of the record must be available for public inspection
during normal office hours at the post office proposed for discontinuance or
at the post office providing alternative service, if the office to be
discontinued was temporarily suspended under 113.3, Emergency
Suspension of Service, beginning no later than the date upon which notice
is posted and extending through the comment period.

f.
Copies of documents in the record (except for the proposal and comment
form) shall be provided upon request and upon payment of fees prescribed by
352.6 of the Administrative Support Manual (ASM).

113.25 Consideration of Public Comments and Final Local Recommendation

113.251 Analysis of Comments.
After waiting not less than 60 days after notice has been posted in
accordance with 113.241 the field division general manager/postmaster
will prepare an analysis of the public comments received, to aid his or her
consideration and for inclusion in the record.  If possible, comments
subsequently received should also be included in the analysis.  The analysis
should list and briefly describe each of the points which appear favorable to
the proposal and each of the points which appear unfavorable to the proposal,
and should identify to the extent possible how many comments support each
point listed.




113.252 Reevaluation of Proposal.
Upon completion of the analysis, the field division general
manager/postmaster will review the proposal and reevaluate all the tentative
conclusions previously made in light of the additional information and views
received from the public and included in the record.

a. Discontinuance Not Warranted.
If the field division general manager/postmaster decides not to proceed
with the proposed discontinuance, he will post in the post office considered
for discontinuance, a notice that the proposed closing or consolidation has
been determined not to be warranted.

b. Discontinuance Warranted.
If the field division general manager/postmaster decides that the proposed
discontinuance is justified, the appropriate sections of the proposal will be
revised, taking into account the comments received from the public.  Upon
completing the necessary revisions, the field division general
manager/postmaster will

(1)
forward the revised proposal, together with the entire record, to the
Senior Assistant Postmaster General, Operations Support Group, for final
review, and

(2)
attach a certificate that all documents included in the record are
originals or true and correct copies.

113.26 Postal Service Decision

113.261 General.
The Senior Assistant Postmaster General, Operations Support Group, or an
authorized designee shall review the field division general
manager/postmaster's proposal.  This review, and the decision on the proposal,
must be based on and supported by the record developed by the field division
general manager/postmaster.  At the discretion of the Senior Assistant
Postmaster General, the field division general manager/postmaster may be
instructed to provide additional information to supplement the record.  Each
such instruction, and the response, shall be added to the record.  The
decision on the field division general manager/postmaster's proposal, which
shall also be added to the record, may approve or disapprove the proposal, or
return it for further action, as set forth below.

113.262 Approval.
The Senior Assistant Postmaster General or an authorized designee may
approve the field division general manager/postmaster's proposal, with or
without making further revisions.  If approved, the term "Final Determination"
is substituted for "Proposal" in the title.  A copy of the Final Determination
shall be provided to the field division general manager/postmaster.  The Final
Determination shall constitute the determination of the Postal Service for the
purposes of 39 USC 404(b). Each Final Determination must include the following
notices:

a. Supporting Materials.
Copies of all materials upon which this Final Determination is based are
available for public inspection at the (Name) Post Office during normal office
hours.

b. Appeal Rights.
This Final Determination to (close) (consolidate) the (Name) Post Office
may be appealed by any person served by that office to the Postal Rate
Commission (for address, see Address List in Appendices).  Any appeal
must be received by the Commission within 30 days of the date this Final
Determination was posted.  If an appeal is filed, copies of appeal documents
prepared by the Postal Rate Commission, or the parties to the appeal, will be
made available for public inspection at the (Name) Post Office during normal
office hours.

113.263 Disapproval.
The Senior Assistant Postmaster General, Operations Group, or an authorized
designee may approve the field division general manager/postmaster's proposal
and return it and the record to the field division general manager/postmaster
with written reasons for disapproval. The field division general
manager/postmaster will post a notice that the proposed closing or
consolidation has been determined not warranted in each office where notices
were posted under 113.2

113.264 Return for Further Action.
The Senior Assistant Postmaster General or an authorized designee may
return the field division general manager/postmaster's proposal with written
instructions to give additional consideration to specific matters in the
record, or to obtain additional information.  All such instructions should be
included in the record.

113.265 Public File.
A copy of each Final Determination and a copy of each disapproval of a
field division general manager/postmaster's proposal shall be placed on file
in the Postal Service Headquarters Library.

113.27 Implementation of Final Determination

113.271 Notice of Final Determination to Discontinue Post Office

a.
The field division general manager/postmaster will provide notice of the
Final Determination by posting a copy prominently in the affected post office
or offices.  The date of posting shall be noted on the first page of the
posted copy as follows:
"Date of posting:@@@@@@@@@@@@, 19@@@."
The field division general manager/postmaster will notify the Senior
Assistant Postmaster General, Operations Support Group, in writing, of the
date of posting.

b.
The field division general manager/postmaster will ensure that a copy of
the completed record is made available for public inspection during normal
office hours at the post office or offices where the Final Determination is
posted, beginning on the posting date and extending for a period of 30 days.

c.
Copies of documents in the record must be provided upon request and payment
of fees prescribed by ASM 352.6.

113.272 Implementation of Determinations Not Appealed.
If no appeal is filed pursuant to 39 USC 404(b)(5), the official closing
date of the office will be published in the Postal Bulletin, effective
the first Saturday 90 days after the Final Determination was posted.  A field
division general manager/postmaster may request approval of a different date
for official discontinuance by including the request with the documents
submitted to the Senior Assistant Postmaster General. However, the post office
may not be discontinued sooner than 60 days after the notice required by
113.271 is posted.

113.273 Actions during Appeal

a. Implementation of Discontinuance.
If an appeal is filed, the affected post office may be discontinued, prior
to final disposition of the appeal, only by direction of the Senior Assistant
Postmaster General, Operations Support Group.  However, the post office may
not be discontinued sooner than 60 days after the notice required by
113.271 is posted.

b. Display of Appeal Documents.
The Rate Application Division, Law Department, Headquarters, will provide
the field division general manager/postmaster with copies of all pleadings,
notices, orders, briefs, and opinions filed in the appeal proceeding.

(1)
The field division general manager/postmaster will ensure that a copy of
each of these documents is prominently displayed and made available for
inspection by the public in the post office to be discontinued or, if it has
been or is discontinued, in the post office or post offices serving the
customers affected.

(2)
All documents except the Postal Rate Commission's final order and opinion
must be displayed until the final order and opinion are issued.  The final
order and opinion must be displayed for a period of 30 days.

113.274 Actions Following Appeal Decision

a. Determination Affirmed.
If the Commission dismisses the appeal or affirms the Postal Service's
determination, the official closing date of the office will be published in
the Postal Bulletin, effective the first Saturday 90 days after the
Commission renders its opinion, if not previously implemented under
113.273a.  However, the post office may not be discontinued sooner
than 60 days after the notice required under 113.271 is posted.

b. Determination Returned for Further Consideration.
If the Commission returns the matter for further consideration, the Senior
Assistant Postmaster General, Operations Support Group, will direct either (1)
that notice be provided in accordance with 113.263 that the proposed
discontinuance has been determined not to be warranted or (2) that the matter
be returned to an appropriate stage under these regulations for further
consideration according to such instructions as he may provide.

113.3 Emergency Suspension of Service

113.31
A field division general manager/postmaster may suspend the operations of
any post office under his jurisdiction when an emergency or other conditions
requires such action.  Circumstances which may justify a suspension include
but are not limited to a natural disaster, the termination of a lease when
other adequate quarters are not available, the lack of qualified personnel to
operate the office, severe damage to or destruction of the office, and the
lack of adequate measures to safeguard the office or its revenue.  The field
division general manager/postmaster must provide notice of any suspension by
telephone or TWX to the Senior Assistant Postmaster General, Operations
Support Group.

113.32
In any such case, if it is proposed to discontinue a suspended post office
rather than restore operations, the procedures of 113.2 must be
followed.  All notices and other documents required to be posted or maintained
in the  office to be discontinued shall be posted or maintained in the post
office or offices temporarily serving the customers of the post office where
operations have been suspended.

113.4 Station and Branch Discontinuance

113.41
If a field division general manager/postmaster determines that it is
necessary to discontinue the operation of a classified station, classified
branch, or contractor-operated community post office administratively attached
to a post office, he must provide immediate notice in writing, including the
reasons for the proposed discontinuance, to the Senior Assistant Postmaster
General, Operations Support Group.

113.42
The Senior Assistant Postmaster General or an authorized designee may
approve the proposed discontinuance, or may disapprove it if the reasons given
by the field division general manager/postmaster do not appear sufficient to
justify the proposed action.  No final action on a proposed discontinuance may
be taken without the approval of the Senior Assistant Postmaster General.

113.5 Postal Facility Names

113.51 Place Names.
The United States Board on Geographic Names approves names for all
geographic places and features in the United States.  The approved name of any
locality can be changed for Federal usage only with concurrence of that Board.

113.52 Post Office Names.
A post office should bear the official name of the incorporated city, town,
or borough in which located, as shown in its charter.  A post office located
in an unincorporated place should generally bear the approved name of the
principal community served (generally the community in which located) or the
approved name of the town or township, if it serves a number of communities
within the town or township.

113.53 Request for Changes.
A request for a change in the name of a post office should be submitted to
the postmaster of the office in question.  The postmaster will forward the
request to the regional postmaster general for transmittal with a
recommendation to the Senior Assistant Postmaster General, Operations Group,
for consideration by the Board on Geographic Names.  Postmasters should report
instances where the name of the post office does not presently conform with
the approved name of the community.

113.6 Military Post Offices

113.61 Description.
A military post office is a branch of a United States civil post office,
operated by the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps to serve military
personnel aboard ships or overseas.  The term includes Army and Air Force post
offices (APOs) and Navy and Marine Corps post offices (FPOs).  Military post
offices provide postal service for military personnel in areas where the
United States civil postal service does not operate and in other places where
the military situation requires.

113.62 Establishment and Discontinuance.
A military post office is established or discontinued only on request of
the military department by which it will be operated.  These units are
authorized and discontinued by the Postal Service and changes are published in
the Postal Bulletin.

113.7 Hours of Business

113.71 Nonholiday Weekdays

113.711
Postmasters will provide all window services for 8-1/2 or more hours on
nonholiday weekdays, unless otherwise authorized by the field division general
manager/postmaster.  Window service hours are scheduled to meet the
requirements of local postal customers.  When additional hours of service are
determined by the postmaster to be necessary to fully meet the needs of the
community, employee work schedules will be adjusted to provide such service.
Postmasters must obtain approval of the next higher management level for any
expansion of workhour usage where additional expenses are involved.

113.712
Main post offices and other postal units located in business areas will
normally be opened during the hours maintained by that local business
community.  Stations and branches are not required to be open at the same
scheduled hours as main offices, but will adjust hours of window operations to
best serve the needs of the customers in the areas where located. Stations and
branches serving suburban communities and/or large shopping centers will
provide late evening service for the convenience of postal customers, where
such service is needed and upon approval of field division general
managers/postmasters or their designees.  Postmasters are responsible for
informing customers of hours of service and will make use of all available
means to advertise their business hours.

113.713
Where installation criteria can be met, self-service centers or
stamp-vending machines will be installed in lobbies to reduce window
transactions for vendible items, and for the convenience of postal customers
when window service is not available.  Postmasters will inform postal
customers of the availability, locations, advantages, and products available
from self-service vending equipment and encourage their use.  Vending
equipment will be kept operable and available for customer use at all times
the lobby is open.

113.714
Windows and services will be consolidated so that each window is fully
utilized.  Windows offering specialized service will be opened only where
special conditions warrant and if approved by management sectional center
managers or their designees.  All such approved specialized windows will also
have, as a minimum, stamps and postal stationery available for sale.

113.715
Contract stations or branches will transact specified postal business
during normal business hours or during such hours as the postmaster may
designate.  Contractors may, on their own initiative, conduct postal business
during hours in addition to those designated by the postmaster.

113.72 Saturdays.
Window service will be provided on Saturdays where there is a demonstrated
need.  Normally, such service will not exceed 4 hours, and postmasters will
secure approval from the next higher management level if additional hours are
necessary to meet the needs of postal customers.  At financial units which
service business areas, or facilities which serve communities where there is a
population exodus on weekends, window service may be closed if alternate
services at other postal units, contract stations, or self-service postal
centers are available.  Postmasters will display appropriate signs to inform
customers of locations and hours of these alternate services.

113.73 Sundays.
Post offices will normally not be opened on Sunday to deliver mail to the
general public.  Sunday duty schedules shall cover only employees needed to
collect and prepare mail for dispatch, to deliver special delivery mail, and
to perform incoming mail distribution considered necessary, and to avoid
congestion and delays in delivery on Monday.

113.74 Lobby Hours.
Lobbies of postal units, including separate box lobbies, may remain open at
the postmaster's discretion when no one is on duty, provided customer safety,
security provisions, and police protection are adequate.

113.75 Local or State Holidays.
Post offices will not be closed solely because of a local or state holiday.
 Window or other services may be reduced, if warranted by lessened demand.
Otherwise, normal levels and types of service will be afforded to customers.

113.76 National Holidays.
Post offices are kept open on holidays for such time as necessary to meet
reasonable requirements of postal customers.  Mail is received, collected, and
dispatched in accordance with holiday schedules (see Exhibit
113.76). Incoming mail is distributed to post office boxes at the main
office and, generally, to post office boxes at stations and branches.  The
following holidays are observed by the Postal Service:

a.
New Year's Day
b.
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday
c.
Washington's Birthday
d.
Memorial Day
e.
Independence Day
f.
Labor Day
g.
Columbus Day
h.
Veterans Day
i.
Thanksgiving Day
j.
Christmas Day

Exhibit 113.76 HOLIDAY SERVICE LEVELS

A.  HOLIDAYS WIDELY OBSERVED
(New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
 Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day)

                       Post
            Window    Office    Firm           Delivery
                       Box      Call                              Collection
                                        Busi  Resi  Special
                                        ness   dential  delivery

Friday
 holiday
FridayNoneHolidayNoneNoneNoneHolidayTime Decal
 schedule schedule
SaturdayLimitedNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal  Normal
SundayNoneNormalNoneNoneNoneNormal  None

Saturday
 holiday
FridayNormalNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal  Normal
SaturdayNoneHolidayNoneNoneNoneHolidayTime Decal
 schedule schedule
SundayNoneNormalNoneNoneNoneNormalTime Decal

Sunday or
 Monday
 holiday
SaturdayLimitedNormalNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
SundayNoneNormalNoneNoneNoneNormalNone

MondayNoneHolidayNoneNoneNoneHolidayTime Decal(1)
 schedule schedule

Tuesday,
 Wednesday,
 or Thursday
 holiday
Preceding
 DayNormalNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal  Normal
HolidayNoneHolidayNoneNoneNoneHolidayTime Decal
 schedule schedule

B.  HOLIDAYS NOT WIDELY OBSERVED
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday; Washington's Birthday;
Columbus Day; Veterans Day

                       Post
            Window    Office    Firm           Delivery
                       Box      Call                              Collection
                                        Busi  Resi  Special
                                        ness   dential  delivery

SaturdayNormalNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal  Normal
SundayNoneNormalNoneNoneNoneNormal   None

Monday(2)LimitedSundayLimitedNoneNoneHolidayTime Decal(1)
 schedule schedule

Note:  Exceptions to these service levels must be approved by a regional
postmaster general.

(1) When a holiday is observed on Monday, and no residential collection is
scheduled on Sunday, a full residential collection may be provided on the
Monday holiday.  Consecutive days without collections must be avoided.

(2) Veterans Day, November 11, is the only movable holiday in the group of
holidays designated as not widely observed; the other three holidays listed in
section B are always observed on Mondays.  When Veterans Day falls on any day
except Sunday, the services provided on that holiday are the same as those
shown for Monday.  When Veterans Day falls on Sunday, the service levels are
the same as those shown for Sunday, but the holiday is observed on Monday by
the Postal Service and treated as a Monday holiday.

Definition of terms:
Normal - Service normally provided on that particular day of the week.
Time decal - Collections from boxes with last-pickup-time decals identifying
the boxes.
Limited - Service adjusted to meet the limited needs of the community on
that particular day.


113.8 Bulletin Boards

113.81 General.
Postmasters may permit bulletin boards in public areas of post offices, or
may set apart some convenient place where official Government notices, notices
of public assemblies, judicial sales, official election notices issued by
state or local government, and similar announcements may be displayed for the
convenience of customers.  These display privileges will be afforded without
discrimination.

113.82 Prohibited Items.
Private business advertisements; placards, cards or notices, photographs,
or likenesses of any member of state legislature or Congress; and political
pictures, cartoons, or other matter designed to influence an election may not
be displayed on bulletin boards established under 113.81.

113.83 Notices by Members of Congress.
Notices by members of Congress will be limited to public announcements of
pending competitive civil service examinations and pertinent information
regarding application for appointment to the U.S. service academies.  These
notices are displayed only as long as they are current, and only within the
district of the sponsoring congressman or the state of the sponsoring senator.
 Such displays must conform to the following specifications:

a.
They must be no larger than 9 by 12 inches.

b.
They must not contain a photograph, picture, or likeness of the member of
Congress.

c.
The signature and/or printed name of the member of Congress must be printed
in no larger than 1/2-inch (48-point) type.

d.
Notices must contain the closing date for submission of applications.

Note:  If, in the opinion of the postmaster, a notice does not conform
to these specifications, he may display the poster pending a decision from the
regional postmaster general.  Notices which include the member's picture must
be returned to the member with an explanation of why they cannot be displayed.

113.84 Recruiting Posters.
If space is available, one recruiting notice of each of the armed services
may be placed on bulletin boards or displayed on "A" boards supplied by the
service.  "A" boards may be placed in lobbies or other locations where they
will not interfere with the transaction of postal business or cause safety
hazards.

113.9 Articles Found in Lobbies or Public Areas Around a Post Office.
When articles found in lobbies or in public areas around a post office are
turned in to employees, follow these procedures:

a.
The finder should be asked to complete a Postal Service Routing Slip,
Item 0-13, so the article may be returned to the finder if not claimed by
the loser within 30 days.

b.
A complete description of the article should be included on the Routing
Slip, together with the finder's name, address, and telephone number.  If
the name of the finder cannot be obtained or the finder does not want the
article or if the article is not claimed by the finder within 30 days after
notification that it is available, it must be disposed of in accordance with
159.4.  Postal and Government property and money orders must not be
returned to the finder and must also be disposed of in accordance with
159.4.

c.
The Routing Slip must be annotated as to the disposition of the
article, date of disposition, and name of the postal employee effecting
disposition.  Routing slips must be filed for 3 months, then destroyed.  The
postmaster should exercise due care in treatment of the article to ensure that
it is not lost or damaged.



 #T102= TABL,1,5,106/TABC,2,115,46/TABC,3,163,48/TABC,4,213,48
 TABC,5,265,46/TABC,6,315,46/TABC,7,365,46/TABC,8,417,59
]


for HR4

(#CH1=(Z4/FNT3/CM,476,0)A.  Holidays Widely Observed(SP,4)
THE ABOVE IS THE ORIGINAL CODE SAVE (NEW IA STRING)


A.  Holidays Widely Observed



New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day




Delivery
WindowPost Office BoxFirm CallBusiness
ResidentialSpecial DeliveryCollection

FRIDAY HOLIDAY
FridayNoneHoliday scheduleNoneNoneNone
Holiday scheduleTime Decal
SaturdayLimitedNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
Normal
SundayNoneNormalNoneNoneNoneNormal
None

SATURDAY HOLIDAY
FridayNormalNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
Normal
SaturdayNoneHoliday scheduleNoneNone
NoneHoliday scheduleTime Decal
SundayNoneNormalNoneNoneNoneNormalTime Decal


SUNDAY or MONDAY HOLIDAY
SaturdayLimitedNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
Normal
SundayNoneNormalNoneNoneNoneNormal
None
MondayNoneHoliday scheduleNoneNoneNone
Holiday scheduleTime Decal1

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, or THURSDAY HOLIDAY
Preceding DayNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
NormalNormal
HolidayNoneHoliday scheduleNoneNoneNone
Holiday scheduleTime Decal



B.  Holidays Not Widely Observed

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday; Washington's Birthday;
Columbus Day; and Veterans Day



Delivery
WindowPost Office BoxFirm CallBusiness
ResidentialSpecial DeliveryCollection

SaturdayNormalNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
Normal
SundayNoneNormalNoneNoneNoneNormal
None
Monday2LimitedSunday scheduleLimitedNoneNone
Holiday scheduleTime Decal1



Note:  Exceptions to these service levels must be approved by
a regional postmaster general.

1 When a holiday is observed on Monday and no residential
collection is scheduled on Sunday, a full residential collection may be
provided on the Monday holiday.  Consecutive days without collections should
be avoided.

2 Veterans Day, November 11, is the only movable holiday in the
group of holidays designated as not widely observed; the other three holidays
listed in section B are always observed on Mondays.  When Veterans Day falls
on any day except Sunday, the services provided on that holiday are the same
as those shown for Monday.  When Veterans Day falls on Sunday, the service
levels are the same as those shown for Sunday, but the holiday is observed on
Monday by the Postal Service and treated as a Monday holiday.

Definition of Terms
Normal - Service normally provided on that particular day
of the week.
Time decal - Collections from boxes with last pickup-time
decals identifying the boxes.
Limited - Service adjusted to meet the limited needs of a
community on that particular day.

Exhibit 113.76, Holiday Service Levels]






114 Complaints

114.1 Consumer Complaints

114.11
Complaints by individual customers about any aspect of products, services,
or personnel, as well as information requests, may be made at any post office
or regional office.  In order to assist the general public in filing
complaints or requesting information, Form 4314-C is made available for
customer use in every post office. Customers may also make complaints by
telephone, by letter, or in person. Such complaints must be recorded by postal
employees on Form 4314-C.

114.12
When the complaint concerns apparent mishandling of mail, the related
envelope, wrapper, or other cover, along with other forms which may have been
filed or used, should be furnished with the complaint.

114.13
Although submitting Form 4314-C is recommended as an initial step, any
customer may choose to address a complaint directly to the Postal Service
Consumer Advocate (for address, see Address List in Appendices).

114.14
Customers who remain dissatisfied with the handling of their complaint at
the local or regional level may appeal the matter in writing to the Consumer
Advocate (see 114.13).  Such an appeal may be required by a court as
a legal prerequisite before it will hear a customer's suit against the Postal
Service on the issue in dispute.

114.15
The Consumer Advocate directs the Consumer Services Division, which is
responsible for the following:

a.
Representing the individual mail user within the Postal Service.

b.
Recommending policy changes to improve an individual user's mail service.

c.
Maintaining liaison with consumer groups.

d.
Taking expeditious action on customer inquiries and complaints.

e.
Determining that the responsible office takes corrective action.

f.
Providing regular reports, based upon Consumer Service Card data,
to Headquarters and field management facilities.

114.2 Postal Law Violations.
Send information and complaints concerning a possible postal law violation
to the Regional Chief Postal Inspector, Management Operations Support Center
(MOSC), at the appropriate address listed below:

REGIONAL CHIEF POSTAL INSPECTOR
MOSC CENTRAL REGION
MAIN POST OFFICE BUILDING  RM 712
433 W VAN BUREN ST
CHICAGO IL 60607-5401

REGIONAL CHIEF POSTAL INSPECTOR
MOSC EASTERN REGION
1 BALA CYNWYD PLAZA  SUITE E300
BALA CYNWYD PA 19004-9000

REGIONAL CHIEF POSTAL INSPECTOR
MOSC NORTHEAST REGION
GATEWAY 2 CENTER  8TH FLOOR SOUTH
COMMERCE & MCCARTER HIGHWAY
NEWARK NJ  07175-0001

REGIONAL CHIEF POSTAL INSPECTOR
MOSC SOUTHERN REGION
1407 UNION AVE  10TH FLOOR
MEMPHIS TN 38161-0001

REGIONAL CHIEF POSTAL INSPECTOR
MOSC WESTERN REGION
850 CHERRY AVE  4TH FLOOR
SAN BRUNO CA  94098-0100

115 Mail Security

115.1 Importance of Mail Security.
The Postal Service must preserve and protect the security of all mail in
its custody from unauthorized opening, inspection, or reading of contents or
covers, tampering, delay, or other unauthorized acts.  Any postal employee
committing or allowing any of these unauthorized acts is subject to
administrative discipline or criminal prosecution leading to fine,
imprisonment, or both.  An employee having a question about proper mail
security procedures, which is not clearly and specifically answered by postal
regulations or by written direction of the Inspection Service or Law
Department, shall resolve the question by protecting the mail in all respects
and moving it, or letting it move, without interruption, to its destination.

115.2 Opening, Reading, and Searching Sealed Mail Generally Prohibited

115.21 General.
In general, no person may open, read, search, or divulge the contents of
mail sealed against inspection, even though such mail may be believed to
contain criminal or otherwise nonmailable matter or evidence of the commission
of a crime.  The only exceptions to this general rule are the following:

a.
A postal employee in a dead mail office acting in accordance with dead mail
regulations in 159.

b.
A postal employee acting with the consent of the addressee or sender.

c.
A person executing a search warrant in accordance with 115.6.

d.
An authorized Customs or Agriculture employee acting in accordance with
115.91 or 115.92.

e.
A postal inspector acting in accordance with 115.91e.

115.22 Mail Not Sealed Against Inspection.
Mail not sealed against inspection may be opened, surrendered, its contents
inspected and read, or information concerning it released by an authorized
postal employee only under the following conditions:

a.
Under a search warrant in accordance with 115.6.

b.
Without a search warrant in order to determine the mailability of the
contents or whether the correct postage has been paid.

c.
As otherwise expressly permitted by postal regulations.

115.23 Definitions

115.231 Mail Sealed against Inspection

a.
For purposes of this part, the terms "mail sealed against inspection" or
"sealed mail" mean mail on which appropriate postage is paid, and which under
postal laws and regulations is included within a class of mail maintained by
the Postal Service for the transmission of letters sealed against inspection.

b.
The terms include First-Class Mail, Express Mail (domestic and
international), international letter mail (LC Postal Union mail, as defined in
the International Mail Manual), and Mailgram messages.

c.
The terms do not include either incidental First-Class matter permitted to
be enclosed in or attached to certain second-, third-, or fourth-class
mailings (see 136.4), or international transit mail (see
115.8).

d.
When sealed mail is part of a mixed class mailing (see 136), the
sealed mail component of the combination item shall be treated as sealed mail
only if it is contained in its own envelope or other form of sealed container.

115.232 Mail Not Sealed against Inspection

a.
For purposes of this part, the terms "mail not sealed against inspection"
or "unsealed mail" mean mail on which appropriate postage for sealed mail has
not been paid, and which under postal laws or regulations is not included
within a class of mail maintained by the Postal Service for the transmission
of letters sealed against inspection.

b.
The terms include second-, third-, and fourth-class mail, international
parcel post mail, AO Postal Union mail (as defined in the International
Mail Manual), and incidental First-Class attachments or enclosures mailed
under the provisions of 136.4.

c.
The terms do not include international transit mail (see 115.8).

115.24 Correspondence Permitted to be Enclosed in Unsealed Mail.
The contents of correspondence permitted to be sent by the blind in special
or raised characters, or in the form of sound recordings, and by school
children at the international printed matter rate, shall not be divulged
except to a postal employee acting with the consent of the addressee or
sender, or to a person executing a search warrant in accordance with
115.6.

115.3 Permissible Detention of Mail

115.31 Sealed Mail Generally Not Detained.
No postal employee may detain mail sealed against inspection (other than
dead mail), except under the following conditions:

a.
A postal inspector acting diligently and without avoidable delay, upon
reasonable suspicion, for a brief period of time, to assemble evidence
sufficient to satisfy the probable-cause requirement for a search warrant
under 115.6, and to apply for, obtain, and execute the warrant.

b.
A postal inspector acting pursuant to 39 USC 3003 who causes to be withheld
from delivery mail which he believes is involved in a scheme described in that
statute, provided that prompt written notice is given to the addressee
advising him of (1) such action, (2) the reasons therefor, and (3) his right
to have such action reviewed pursuant to 39 CFR 964.

c.
A postal inspector acting pursuant to 39 USC 3004 who causes to be withheld
from delivery letters or parcels sent in the mail to places not the residence
or regular business address of the person to whom they are intended to enable
the person to escape identification, provided that prompt written notice is
given to the addressee advising him of (1) such action, (2) the reasons
therefor, and (3) his right to have such action reviewed pursuant to 39 CFR
964.

d.
A postal employee acting in strict accordance with postal regulations (for
example, 115.4 or 153.145).

e.
A postal employee acting under postal regulations with the express consent
of the addressee or sender (for example, 152.7 or 153.19).

f.
A postal employee acting under an order issued under 39 USC 3005, relating
to false representations, lotteries, and unlawful matter.

g.
A postal employee acting under 115.62.

h.
A postal employee conducting a mail count by direction of his postmaster or
a postal inspector.

i.
A postal employee acting under an order of a Federal court.

j.
A postal employee, during the period required to seek and obtain
instructions under 153.7, concerning mail whose delivery is in
dispute, or under 424.1 of the Postal Operations Manual (POM)
concerning legal process, other than a search warrant duly issued under Rule
41 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, purporting to require the
surrender of mail matter.

115.32 Unsealed Mail.
Mail not sealed against inspection may be delayed or detained for the
reasons stated in 115.31, and as otherwise expressly permitted by
postal regulations.

115.4 Mail Reasonably Suspected of Being Dangerous to Persons or Property

115.41 Screening of Mail Reasonably Suspected of Being Dangerous.
Whenever the Chief Postal Inspector determines that there is a credible
threat that certain mail may contain a bomb, explosives, or other material
that would endanger life or property, he may, without a search warrant or the
consent of the sender or addressee, authorize the screening of such mail by
any means which is capable of identifying explosives, or other dangerous
contents in the mails, within the limits of this subsection and without
opening mail which is sealed against inspection or revealing the contents of
correspondence within mail which is sealed against inspection.

a.
Screening of mail authorized by this subsection shall be limited to the
least quantity of mail necessary responsibly to respond to the threat.

b.
Such screening shall be performed in a manner which does not avoidably
delay the screened mail.

c.
The Chief Postal Inspector may authorize screening of mail by postal
employees and by persons not employed by the Postal Service under such
instructions that require compliance with this part and protect the security
of the mail.  No information obtained as a result of such screening may be
disclosed except as authorized by this part.

d.
Mail of insufficient weight to pose a hazard to air or surface
transportation and international transit mail shall be excluded from such
screening.

e.
After screening conducted pursuant to this subsection, mail which is
reasonably suspected of posing an immediate and substantial danger to life or
limb, or an immediate and substantial danger to property, may be treated by
postal employees as provided in 115.42.

f.
After screening, mail sealed against inspection which presents doubts as to
whether its contents are hazardous, which cannot be resolved without opening,
shall be reported to the Postal Inspection Service.  Such mail shall be
disposed of in accordance with instructions promptly furnished by the
Inspection Service.

115.42 Threatening Pieces of Mail.
Mail, sealed or unsealed, reasonably suspected of posing an immediate
danger to life or limb or an immediate and substantial danger to property may,
without a search warrant, be detained, opened, removed from postal custody,
and processed or treated, but only to the extent necessary to determine and
eliminate the danger and only if a complete written and sworn statement of the
detention, opening, removal or treatment, and the circumstances which prompted
it, signed by the person purporting to act under this subsection, is promptly
forwarded to the Chief Inspector.

115.43 Reports.
Any person purporting to act under this subsection who does not report his
action to the Chief Inspector in accordance with the requirements of this
subsection, or whose action is determined after investigation not to have been
authorized, is subject to disciplinary action or criminal prosecution, or both.

115.5 Disclosure of Information Collected from Mail Sent or Received by
Customers.
Except as provided in 115.5a through 115.5g, no employee
may in the performance of official duties disclose information on the cover of
a piece of mail; information from the contents of a piece of mail inspected as
authorized; or other information about a piece of mail sent or received by any
sender, addressee, or group of senders or addressees.  An employee may
disclose such information

a.
to the Postal Inspection Service for its official use, including
appropriate reference to law enforcement authorities, when there is a
reasonable basis to suspect that such information is evidence of the
commission of a crime under state or Federal law, except that information
obtained by opening sealed mail in a dead letter office may be used only to
determine an address at which the mail can be delivered;

b.
under ASM 213 regarding mail covers;

c.
under a search warrant in accordance with 115.6;

d.
under an order of a Federal court;

e.
at the request of the sender or addressee, or the authorized agent of
either;

f.
from the covers of mail by films or photocopies of the covers only for the
following postal operations:

(1)
resolving or recording a service complaint when the complaining customer
presents the cover as evidence;

(2)
serving in place of Form 3546 if the film or copy shows nothing but the
addressee's prior and current addresses, and does not reveal the sender's name
and address, the postmark, or any other information;

(3)
serving in place of Form 3547 by showing the cover with an
address-correction label affixed in reply to a mailer's request for address
correction on First-, third-, or fourth-class mail;

(4)
notifying a mailer of addressing inaccuracies affecting OCR readability,
provided that the film or copy is secured in a locked cabinet, then destroyed
as soon as the mailer resolves the inaccuracies;

(5)
facilitating internal postal operations under specific authorization from
the Chief Postal Inspector and written instructions from the Records Officer
not to disclose the information outside the Postal Service, and to destroy the
film or copy after a given retention period;

(6)
resolving a problem of machine missorting or of miscoded or unreadable OCR
mail, provided that the information is disclosed only to the postal employees
resolving the problem and that the copy is destroyed immediately after
resolution of the problem;

(7)
resolving a problem that involves Express Mail and is based on a complaint
from the sender or addressee, a refund request from the sender, or an internal
service report, provided that the information is disclosed only to the postal
employees resolving the problem and that the film or copy is destroyed
immediately after resolution of the problem;

(8)
providing information to a Postal Service contractor in the performance of
a contract with the Postal Service, but only if disclosure is authorized by
the Chief Postal Inspector and use of the information is in strict compliance
with contract clause 1-7, Non-Disclosure of Address Information (Appendix B of
Publication 41, USPS Procurement Manual); or

g.
otherwise in accordance with postal regulations, provided that any such
information obtained from an inspection of the contents of mail may only be
disclosed if the inspection accords with the regulations contained in this
part.

115.6 Execution of Search Warrants

115.61 Warrant Issued by Federal Court or Served by Federal Officer

a.
A search warrant duly issued under Rule 41 of the Federal Rules of Criminal
Procedure shall be executed as provided in 115.62.  Usually, a
warrant issued by a Federal court or served by a Federal officer is issued
under Rule 41, and is duly issued if signed and dated within the past 10 days.

b.
No employee shall permit the execution of a search warrant issued by a
state court and served by a state officer.  If in doubt, an employee should
temporarily detain the mail in question and promptly call a postal inspector
for guidance.

115.62 Search Warrant Execution Procedures

a.
A postal inspector may execute a search warrant.

b.
A person other than a postal inspector executing a search warrant must be
accompanied by a postal employee authorized by the head of the postal
installation at which the warrant is to be executed.

c.
Mail may be taken from postal custody under the authority of a search
warrant only if the person executing the warrant leaves a copy of the warrant
and a receipt or inventory, made out in the presence of the postal employee
accompanying him, which particularly describes each piece of mail taken,
including all service endorsements on the cover (such as "Return Receipt
Requested") and any official postal identity numbers (such as registry,
insurance, or certified mail numbers).  The receipt or inventory may be
attached to the copy of the warrant or written on the reverse side of the copy
of the warrant.

d.
The installation head or his designee shall

(1)
make a copy of the receipt or inventory, and of the copy of the warrant,
and send them to the inspector-in-charge of the division in which the
installation is located, and

(2)
furnish a report of the seizure of any domestic mail to the addressee's
post office and of any seized international mail to the appropriate
international claims office.

115.63 Notice to Sender or Addressee.
If the cover of domestic mail has been endorsed and stamped to show that
the sender has requested and paid for a return receipt, the sender shall be
notified of the seizure of the mail under the warrant by an endorsement to
that effect on the return receipt or on a duplicate, if the original receipt
is taken.  The receipt shall be dispatched as soon as possible, unless the
officer executing the warrant presents a Federal court order to delay the
dispatch.  In that event, the dispatch shall be delayed in accordance with the
order.

115.7 Cooperation with Federal, State, and Local Agencies for Access to
Mail.
A postal employee receiving a request from a Federal, state, or local law
enforcement, intelligence, or other government agency, for access to, or
information about, particular mail matter of any class in the custody of the
Postal Service shall refer the request to the Postal Inspection Service, with
the explanation that the Inspection Service is responsible for liaison with
all government agencies with respect to a request of this kind.  No employee
of the Inspection Service shall comply with such a request, except as
authorized by postal regulations.

115.8 International Transit Mail

115.81 Definitions

115.811 International Transit Mail.
As used in this part, the term "international transit mail" applies to mail
of foreign origin which is passed by a foreign postal administration to the
United States Postal Service for forwarding to a foreign postal administration
under a postal treaty or convention.  It includes closed mail and a' decouvert
letter post items.

115.812 Closed Mail.
The term "closed mail" refers to any bag, container, or mail passed to the
United States Postal Service by a foreign postal administration, the entire
contents of which are required, by applicable postal treaties or conventions,
to be passed to a foreign postal administration.

115.813 A' Decouvert Letter Post Item.
The term "a' decouvert letter post item" refers to any international letter
post item (Postal Union mail, as defined in the International Mail
Manual) which is addressed for delivery by a foreign postal administration
and is passed to the United States Postal Service by a foreign postal
administration in a bag, container, or mail which must be opened by the United
States Postal Service in accordance with applicable postal treaties or
conventions because it also contains items addressed for delivery by the
United States Postal Service.

115.82 Special Security Rules.
International transit mail is entitled to freedom of transit.  It shall not
be opened, seized, or searched.  It is not subject to Customs or Agriculture
inspection under 115.91 or 115.92.  In accordance with the
Universal Postal Convention, any international transit mail consisting of
closed mail, a' decouvert letter post items, and airmail correspondence, shall
not be detained, but shall instead be forwarded to the next foreign postal
administration by the quickest routes which the United States Postal Service
uses for mail sealed against inspection.

115.9 Mail Security, Law Enforcement, and Other Government Agencies

115.91 Customs Service.
Without a search warrant, but upon reasonable cause to suspect that the
mail contains dutiable or prohibited items, designated personnel of the U.S.
Customs Service may open or inspect the contents of mail in the customs
inspection of mail (including APO-FPO mail) which has originated outside the
Customs Territory of the United States (CTUS) and is addressed for delivery
either inside the CTUS or inside the customs district of the Virgin Islands,
on the following terms and conditions:

a. Other Regulations.
Such inspections may be conducted only in accordance with the
International Mail Manual relating to cooperation with the U.S.
Customs Service on inspection of imports.

b. Virgin Islands.
Postal employees in the Virgin Islands may permit designated personnel of
the U.S. Customs Service, without a search warrant, to examine the exterior
(but not open or read the contents) of sealed mail which has originated in the
CTUS and is addressed for delivery in the customs district of the Virgin
Islands.  Upon the request of such Customs personnel, postal employees in the
Virgin Islands may ask the addressee of such sealed mail (which such Customs
personnel have reasonable cause to believe contains dutiable or prohibited
matter) to authorize such Customs personnel to open and inspect the contents
of the sealed mail, or to appear at the post office to accept delivery of the
sealed mail in the presence of a Customs official.

c. Privacy of Correspondence.
No Customs personnel may read, allow any other person to read, divulge, or
transfer to any other person any correspondence contained in sealed mail; nor
may Customs personnel divulge, allow any other person to read or listen to,
transfer to any other person, or knowingly listen to any paper or recording
which is correspondence for the blind contained in unsealed mail; nor may
Customs personnel divulge, allow any other person to read, or transfer to any
person correspondence of school children permitted transmission in unsealed
mail, unless such action is authorized by a search warrant issued under Rule
41 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

d. Search Warrant Required for Domestic and Certain International Mail.
No Customs personnel may, without a search warrant, open, inspect, read, or
seize any mail in postal custody (including APO and FPO mail) which has not
originated outside the CTUS, or which has diplomatic or consular immunity from
Customs inspection (see 711 of the International Mail Manual).

e. Controlled Delivery of Drugs in Sealed Mail.
When a postal inspector decides, upon the request of a Federal, military,
state, or local narcotics agent, to make a controlled postal delivery of a
sealed mail article which the Customs Service has opened under
115.91, and which the Customs Service has determined through a
reliable field test or reliable laboratory examination to contain illegal
narcotics or dangerous drugs, the postal inspector may reopen the article
without a search warrant.  The inspector may reopen the article without a
warrant only for the purpose of preparing the article for such a controlled
delivery in such way or ways as lawfully and reasonably aid in the
investigation of the crime of importing such substances through the mail.  No
correspondence inside such an article may be read or divulged without a search
warrant as described in 115.6.

115.92 Department of Agriculture

a. Foreign-Origin Mail.
Without a search warrant, but with the written consent of the sender,
designated personnel of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) may open and
inspect (but not read) the contents of mail (including APO and FPO mail) which
has originated outside the Customs Territory of the United States (CTUS) and
is addressed for delivery inside the CTUS.  Such inspection may be conducted
only under 720 of the International Mail Manual relating to
cooperation with the USDA on plant quarantine inspections of imports.

b. Domestic Mail from Hawaii or Puerto Rico.
Without a search warrant, designated USDA personnel may open and inspect
(but not read) the contents of mail reasonably suspected of containing plant
matter or plant pests, which has been mailed in Hawaii or Puerto Rico and is
addressed to the United States mainland, either with the consent of the sender
or if the mail is unsealed.  Such inspections may take place only in
designated areas of the Hawaii or Puerto Rico post office, and only so long as
the Federal plant quarantine of Hawaii or the Puerto Rico remains in effect.

c. State Terminal Inspections.
Postal employees may cooperate with the Department of Agriculture and with
state terminal inspection officials under the Terminal Inspection Act, 7 USC
166, or implementing regulations in Publication 14, Plant Quarantines.

115.93 Military Postal System.
This part does not apply to the military postal system overseas or to
persons performing military postal duties overseas (see 125.4).

115.94 Customs Inspection in Guam.
Postal employees in the Agana Post Office may permit the designated Customs
officials of the government of Guam, without a search warrant, to open,
inspect, and read the contents of unsealed mail, and to examine the exterior
(but not open or read the contents) of sealed mail which is addressed for
delivery within the Territory of Guam.  Upon the request of Guam customs
officials, postal employees in the Agana Post Office may ask the addressee of
sealed mail, which Guam customs officials reasonably suspect of containing
dutiable or prohibited matter, to authorize Guam customs personnel to open and
inspect the contents of the sealed mail, or to appear at the post office to
accept delivery of the sealed mail in the presence of a Guam customs official.

115.95 Customs Inspection in the Northern Mariana Islands.
Postal employees in the Saipan Post Office and the Rota Post Office may
permit designated Northern Mariana Islands customs officials, without a search
warrant, to open, inspect, and read the contents of unsealed mail, and to
examine the exterior (but not open or read the contents) of sealed mail which
originates outside the Northern Mariana Islands and is addressed for delivery
within the Northern Mariana Islands.  Upon the request of Northern Mariana
Islands customs officials, postal employees in the Saipan Post Office or the
Rota Post Office may ask the addressee of sealed mail which Northern Mariana
Islands customs officials reasonably suspect of containing dutiable or
prohibited matter to authorize Northern Mariana Islands customs officials to
open and inspect the contents of the sealed mail, or to appear at the post
office to accept delivery of the sealed mail in the presence of a Northern
Mariana Islands customs official.

115.96 Excise Tax Collection in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the
United States Virgin Islands.
Under 48 USC 741a and 48 USC 1574, respectively, postal employees in any
post office in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin
Islands are authorized to permit local excise tax officials to record for tax
collection purposes the names and addresses which appear on the exterior of
all incoming parcels which appear to contain taxable items, except those sent
by registered mail.  A postal employee must be present during such recording,
and no mail may be opened, detained, or delayed for this purpose.

115.97  Mail Addressed to Prisoners.
Authorized personnel of prisons, jails, or other correctional institutions,
under lawful rules and regulations, may open, examine, and censor mail
addressed to an inmate of the institution, if the inmate-addressee consents to
receive his mail at the institution through the institutional authorities.  If
the inmate does not consent, the personnel may either deliver the inmate's
mail to the inmate unopened, or return it to the post office unopened marked,
"Refused."  An inmate may designate in writing an agent outside the
institution to receive his mail, either through an authorized address of the
agent, if the mail is so addressed, or at the delivery post office serving the
institution, if the mail is addressed to the inmate at the institution.

115.98  Customs Inspection in American Samoa.
Pago Pago postal employees may permit designated American Samoa customs
officials, without a search warrant, to open, inspect, and read the contents
of unsealed mail, and to examine the exterior (but not open or read the
contents) of sealed mail which originates outside the Territory of American
Samoa and is addressed for delivery within the Territory of American Samoa.
Upon the request of American Samoa customs officials, postal employees in the
Pago Pago Post Office may ask the addressee of sealed mail which American
Samoa customs officials reasonably suspect contains dutiable or prohibited
matter to authorize American Samoa customs officials to open and inspect the
contents of the sealed mail, or to appear at the post office to accept
delivery of the sealed mail in the presence of an American Samoa customs
official.

116  (Reserved)

117  (Reserved)

118  (Reserved)

119  Trademarks, Service Marks, and Copyrights

119.1  Trademarks and Service Marks

119.11  General.
The following terms and slogans are among the registered trademarks and
service marks of the United States Postal Service:



Registered U.S. Postal Service Trademarks or Service Marks


CON-CON
E-COM
Express Mail
Express Mail Custom Designed Service
Express Mail Next Day Service
Express Mail Same Day Airport Service
First-Class Mail
Here Today . . . There Tomorrow
INTELPOST and the INTELPOST logotype
Design figure of Mr. ZIP
Mr. ZIP
Postique
The Overnighter
United States Postal Service
U.S. Mail
ZIP
ZIP Code
ZIP+4
ZIP+4 logotype
The Benjamin Franklin Stamp Club logotype
The Express Mail logotype
The distinctive red, white, and blue color scheme of postal vehicles
The International Express Mail logotype
The parcel post logotype
The Postal Service emblem and the U.S. Mail emblem



119.12  Use.
Proper use of the Postal Service's registered marks includes the following:

a.
The initial letters of the marks must be capitalized to distinguish them
from terms which are not used as trademarks.  For example, "Express Mail," a
trademark, is capitalized; "registered mail," which is not a trademark, is
not.  Words and phrases which are registered trademarks may also be identified
by the symbol  .  That symbol must be used to identify figures which are
registered marks.  (An exception to this rule is the Postal Service emblem
when used on letterheads and business cards.  All other uses must include the
.)

b.
The trademarks must be used in the form listed above.  For example,
"Express Mail Custom Designed Service," not "Custom Designed Express Mail";
"ZIP Code," not "Zip Code"; "First-Class Mail," not "first class mail."  The
initial letters of "First-Class" should also be capitalized in phrases such as
"First-Class letters" or "First-Class rate" which relate to First-Class Mail
service.

119.13  Proposed or Pending Registration.
The Postal Service has additional trademarks which have not yet been
registered.  The rules set out above apply to these "common law" marks, except
that such marks are not to be identified by the symbol .  Instead, the
superscript initials  can be used to identify these marks.  When a
pending mark is granted registration, it will be added to the list of
registered marks in 119.11.  The common law trademarks and service
marks of the Postal Service for which registration is pending or proposed
include:



Trademarks and Service Marks Proposed or Pending Registration


The Express Mail International Service logotype
Presort
Priority Mail


119.2  Copyrights

119.21  General.
The Postal Service secures copyrights in its philatelic designs (see
166) and in some of its publications.

119.22 National Five-Digit ZIP Code and Post Office Directory

119.221
The Postal Service copyrights each edition of the National Five-Digit
ZIP Code and Post Office Directory, Publication 65, to protect the
accuracy and integrity of the ZIP Code information distributed to the public.
The National ZIP Code and Post Office Directory can be  purchased from
all main post offices, classified stations, and branches.  The directory can
also be ordered by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, in Washington, DC, or purchased at Government Printing Office
bookstores in major cities.

119.222
The Postal Service licenses publishers on a nonexclusive basis to reproduce
and sell Publication 65 or portions thereof, as long as the portions cover a
complete state or a combination of states and include full ZIP Code
information for multi-ZIP Coded post offices.  The licenses are on an annual
basis and may be renewed.  The license agreements contain the following
significant terms:

a.
Only the most current available ZIP Code information printed from
reproducibles furnished by the Postal Service shall be published.

b.
Each Directory must bear an expiration date consistent with the expiration
date of the material reproduced.  (Publication 65 is published annually and
expires at the end of the calendar year.)

c.
All manuscripts and proposed advertising and promotional materials are
subject to prior review by the Postal Service.  Advertising and promotional
materials may not misstate the licensee's relationship to the Postal Service
and must indicate that the Postal Service does not determine the price at
which the licensed publication is sold.

d.
A royalty on sales is paid to the Postal Service at a rate negotiated
before the license is granted.  Under certain circumstances, a flat fee or no
royalty agreement may be negotiated.

119.3  Inquiries

119.31
Inquiries concerning Postal Service copyrights or the use of Postal Service
trademarks and service marks, copyright materials, and intellectual property
other than patents and technical data rights in Postal Service contracts must
be sent to the Office of Licensing, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see
Address List in Appendices).

119.32
Inquiries concerning licenses to publish or reproduce ZIP Code information
must be sent to the Office of Licensing, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see
Address List in Appendices).



