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130 Mail Classification

131 Responsibilities

131.1  Mailer Awareness.
Domestic mail is classified according to size, weight, contents, and
service.  Chapters 2 through 7 describe the various classes of mail and the
qualifications, preparation requirements, and services provided for each
class.  Chapter 9 describes the special mail services which are available on
certain classes of mail.  Mailers should familiarize themselves with the
qualifications, requirements, and conditions governing the classification of
their mail as well as the special mail services available to them.

131.2  Assistance by Postal Personnel.
Questions regarding the proper classification of mail matter and use of
special mail services should be directed to local postal officials.  Rates and
classification centers (RCCs) have been established to assist local post
offices in responding to mail classification questions.  However, the burden
rests with mailers to ensure that they have complied with all prescribed laws
and regulations.

131.3  Unauthorized Decisions.
Postmasters or other managers at associate offices, sectional center
facilities, management sectional centers, field division offices, or other
field facilities or regional offices may not under any circumstances suspend
or grant any form of waiver or exception to Domestic Mail Manual mail
preparation or classification requirements.  Mailers must comply with all
applicable postal requirements in 111.3 and 131.2.  Any
mailer's request for an exception to mail preparation or classification
requirements must be referred immediately to the rates and classification
center.

132 Rates and Classification Centers


New York, NY  10095-9599 (continued)]



Rates and Classification Center
Office of Classification and Rates Administration
New York, NY  10095-9599

SERVICE AREA

DivisionsReporting Offices3-Digit ZIP Code
 Service Area

Westchester, NYWestchester, NY004, 105-109
Mid-Hudson, NY124-127
Stamford, CT068-069

Western New York, NY
Buffalo, NY140-143, 147
Rochester, NY144-146, 148-149

Albany, NYAlbany, NY120-123, 128-129,
133-135
Syracuse, NY130-132, 136-139


New York City, NYNew York, NY090-098, 100-102, 104

Long Island, NYLong Island, NY005, 115, 117-119
Brooklyn-Queens, NY
Queens, NY103, 110-114, 116
AMF-JFK003, 11430-9998

Manchester, NHManchester, NH030-038
Portland, ME039-049

Springfield, MASpringfield, MA010-013
White River Jct., VT050-054, 056-059
Springfield BMC
Boston, MABoston, MA020-022
Middlesex-Essex, MA018-019, 055

Providence, RIProvidence, RI027-029
Worcester, MA014-017
Brockton, MA023-026

Hartford, CTHartford, CT060-062, 067
New Haven, CT063-066


Newark, NJNewark, NJ070-073
NJ-INTL & BMC

New Brunswick, NJNew Brunswick, NJ077-079, 088-089
Paterson, NJ074-076
Trenton, NJ085-087

Caribbean, PRSan Juan, PR006-009



Alexandria, VA 22303-2736 (continued)]



Rates and Classification Center
Office of Classification and Rates Administration
Alexandria, VA 22303-2736

SERVICE AREA


DivisionsReporting Offices3-Digit ZIP Code
Service Area

Pittsburgh, PAPittsburgh, PA150-154, 156, 260
Johnstown, PA155, 157, 159, 166, 168
Erie, PA158, 160-165, 167
Pittsburgh BMC

Harrisburg, PAHarrisburg, PA169-172, 177-178
Lancaster, PA173-176,179, 195-196
Lehigh Valley, PA180-188

Philadelphia, PAPhiladelphia, PA190-192, 213
Philadelphia BMC

South Jersey, NJSouth Jersey, NJ080-084
Southeastern, PA189, 193-194

Baltimore, MDBaltimore, MD210-212, 214-215, 217,
219
Wilmington, DE197-199, 216, 218

So. Maryland, MDSouthern Maryland, MD206-207
Suburban Maryland, MD208-209
Washington, DC200, 202-205
Washington BMC

No. Virginia, VANorthern Virginia, VA220-223, 226

Richmond, VARichmond, VA224-225, 227-232,
 238-239, 244
Norfolk, VA233-237
Roanoke, VA240-243, 245

Charleston, WVCharleston, WV246-253, 255-259, 266
Clarksburg, WV254, 261-265, 267-268

Greensboro, NCGreensboro, NC270-274, 286
Charlotte, NC280-282, 287-289, 297
Raleigh, NC275-279
Greensboro BMC

Columbia, SCColumbia, SC290-292
Greenville, SC293, 296
Charleston, SC294-295
Fayetteville, NC283-285

Louisville, KYLouisville, KY400-402, 421-422,
427, 471
Lexington, KY403-409, 411-418
425-426
Evansville, IN420, 423-424, 476-477

Cleveland, OHCleveland, OH440-441
Akron, OH442-443, 446-447
Youngstown, OH439, 444-445

Columbus, OHColumbus, OH430-433, 437-438,
448-449, 456-457
Toledo, OH434-436

Cincinnati, OHCincinnati, OH410,450-452, 459, 470
Dayton, OH453-455, 458
Cincinnati BMC



Memphis, TN  38165-9599 (continued)]



Rates and Classification Center
Office of Classification and Rates Administration
Memphis, TN  38165-9599

SERVICE AREA


DivisionsReporting Offices3-Digit ZIP Code
Service Area
Memphis, TNMemphis, TN375, 380-383, 723
Tupelo, MS386-389, 397
Memphis BMC

Little Rock, ARLittle Rock, AR716-722, 724
Fort Smith, AR725-729
Tyler, TX755-759

Jackson, MSJackson, MS369, 390-393
Baton Rouge, LA705-708
Shreveport, LA710-714

Nashville, TNNashville, TN307, 370-374, 384-385
Knoxville, TN376-379

Oklahoma City, OKOklahoma City, OK730-731, 734-738,748
Tulsa, OK740-741, 743-747, 749
Lubbock, TX739, 790-794

San Antonio, TXSan Antonio, TX780-782, 788
Corpus Christi, TX779, 783-785
Austin, TX733, 765-767,
786-787, 789

Tampa, FLTampa, FL335-339, 342, 346
Orlando, FL327-328, 347

Houston, TXHouston, TX770-778

Miami, FLMiami, FL330-333, 340
W. Palm Beach, FL329, 334, 349

New Orleans, LANew Orleans, LA700-701, 703-704
Pensacola, FL 324-325
Mobile, AL363-366
Gulfport, MS394-396

Jacksonville, FLJacksonville, FL320-323, 326
Savannah, GA298-299, 304, 308-309,
313-315
Jacksonville BMC

Birmingham, ALBirmingham, AL350-352, 354-359, 362
Montgomery, AL360-361, 367-368
Macon, GA310, 312, 316-319

Atlanta, GAAtlanta, GA300-303, 305-306, 311
Atlanta BMC

Dallas, TXDallas, TX750-754, 762
Fort Worth, TX760-761, 763-764,
768-769, 795-796

Dallas BMC



Chicago, IL  60698-9599 (continued)]



Rates and Classification Center
Office of Classification and Rates Administration
Chicago, IL  60698-9599

SERVICE AREA


DivisionsReporting Offices3-Digit ZIP Code
Service Area

Chicago, ILChicago, IL606-608
Chicago BMC
AMF O'Hare60666-9998 Only

North Suburban, ILNorth Suburban, IL600-603
Rockford, IL610-611

South Suburban, ILSouth Suburban, IL604-605, 609
Peoria, IL613-617
Springfield, IL618-619, 625-627

Wichita, KSWichita, KS670-673, 675, 678-679
Topeka, KS664-666, 668-669, 674,
676-677
Kansas City, KS660-662, 667
Kansas City BMC

Twin Cities, MNMinneapolis, MN553-555, 560-562
St. Paul, MN540, 546-548
550-551, 559
Duluth, MN556-558,563-564, 566
Minneapolis/St. Paul BMC

Kansas City, MOKansas City, MO640-641, 644-647, 649
Columbia, MO623, 634-635, 650-653
Springfield, MO636-639, 648, 654-658

St. Louis, MOSt. Louis, MO620, 622, 624, 628-633
St. Louis BMC

Omaha, NEOmaha, NE515-516, 680-681,
683-687
North Platte, NE688-693
Rapid City, SD575-577
Sioux Falls, SD570-574
Bismarck, ND583-588
Fargo, ND580-582, 565, 567

Denver, CODenver, CO800-807
Colo. Springs, CO808-812
Grand Junction, CO813-816
Cheyenne, WY820-831
Denver BMC

Des Moines, IADes Moines, IA500-505, 508-514
Cedar Rapids, IA506-507,520-528, 612
Des Moines BMC

Milwaukee, WIMilwaukee, WI530-532, 534
Madison, WI535, 537-539, 549
Green Bay, WI498-499, 541-545

Detroit, MIDetroit, MI481-482
Royal Oak, MI480, 483
Detroit BMC

Grand Rapids, MIGrand Rapids, MI490-491, 493-497
Lansing, MI484-489, 492

Indianapolis, INIndianapolis, IN460-462, 469,
472-474
Ft. Wayne, IN465-468
Terre Haute, IN475, 478-479
Gary, IN463-464



San Bruno, CA 94096-9599 (continued)]



Rates and Classification Center
Office of Classification and Rates Administration
San Bruno, CA  94096-9599

SERVICE AREA


DivisionsReporting Offices3-Digit ZIP Code
Service Area

Anchorage, AKAnchorage, AK995-997
Juneau, AK998-999

Honolulu, HIHonolulu, HI967-969

San Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA940-944, 962-966
San Francisco BMC

Oakland, CAOakland, CA945-948
North Bay, CA949, 954-955

Sacramento, CASacramento, CA956-960
Reno, NV894-895, 897, 961
Stockton, CA952-953

San Jose, CASan Jose, CA939, 950-951
Fresno, CA936-938
Bakersfield, CA932-933

Van Nuys, CAVan Nuys, CA910-916, 935
Santa Barbara, CA930-931, 934

Santa Ana, CASanta Ana, CA926-928
Alhambra, CA917-918

Long Beach, CALong Beach, CA906-908
Inglewood, CA902-905
Los Angeles BMC

San Diego, CASan Diego, CA919-921
San Bernardino, CA922-925

Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA900-901

Seattle, WASeattle, WA980-982, 987
Tacoma, WA983-985, 988-989
Spokane, WA835, 838, 990-994
Seattle BMC

Portland, ORPortland, OR970-973, 977-978, 986
Eugene, OR974-976

Phoenix, AZPhoenix, AZ850, 852-853, 860,
863-864
Las Vegas, NV889-891

Tucson, AZTucson, AZ855-857, 859, 879-880
El Paso, TX797-799, 885
Albuquerque, NM865, 870-875, 877-878,
881-884

Salt Lake City,
UTSalt Lake City, UT840-847, 893, 898
Billings, MT590-595
Missoula, MT596-599
Boise, ID832-834, 836-837, 979




133 Appeal of a Contested Classification

133.1 Classification by Local Post Office.
If a mailer disagrees with a classification decision made by a local post
office, the mailer may make a written appeal to the postmaster within 30 days.
 The postmaster must forward the appeal to the appropriate rates and
classification center (RCC), which issues the final agency decision (for a
list of RCCs, see 132).  Only the general manager, RCC, may rule on
such an appeal and on any appeal or initial request for a ruling that concerns
an exception to a regulation in the Domestic Mail Manual.  A mailer who
receives an adverse ruling from a post office may request the general manager,
RCC, to provide an expedited oral decision on appeal, which is then confirmed
later in writing.  This request for an expedited appeal may be made by
telephone.  The general manager, RCC, or the general manager's designee
determines whether the appeal or individual questions raised by the appeal can
be decided on an expedited basis.

133.2 Classification by Rates and Classification Center.
Any mail classification decision made initially by the general manager of
any rates and classification center or by the general manager of any division
within the Office of Classification and Rates Administration may be appealed
within 15 days to the Director, Office of Classification and Rates
Administration.  Only the Director, Office of Classification and Rates
Administration, may rule on an appeal of a classification decision made under
this section.

133.3 Classification While Appeal is Pending.
When applicable, pending resolution of an appeal, the mailer may, by a
letter to the local postmaster, request to mail under a deposit arrangement.
The mailer must deposit with the postmaster an amount adequate to cover
postage at the higher rate.  The difference between the amount deposited and a
lower rate subsequently determined to be appropriate is returned to the
mailer, if his appeal is sustained.  If the appeal is denied, the deposit is
not returned.  If a balance remains in the deposit after the higher rate
postage has been deducted, the balance is refunded, if the customer so wishes.

134 Mail Sent by Members of the U.S. Armed Forces

134.1 Letters Sent Postage Collect

134.11 Eligible Letters.
Letters sent by soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines in the United States
military service located in the United States or other places where United
States domestic mail service operates, addressed to places in the United
States, may be dispatched for collection on delivery, under the following
conditions:

a.
The address side of the letter must be marked "Soldier's Letter," "Airmen's
Letter," "Sailor's Letter," or "Marine's Letter," as appropriate.

b.
Under the marking, the letter must bear the signature and official
designation, either with a facsimile hand stamp or in writing, of a
commissioned officer to whose command the soldier or airman belongs, or of a
surgeon or chaplain at a hospital where he is; and, in the Navy and Marine
service, of a commissioned officer attached to the vessel on which the member
is serving or an officer commanding a hospital or detachment ashore where he
is.

134.12 Postage Charge.
Postage charged at the regular, single-piece First-Class rate for each
ounce or fraction thereof is collected from the addressee on delivery.

134.2 Matter Sent Free

134.21 General.
Matter may be mailed free of postage by certain military personnel, subject
to the conditions and restrictions contained in 134.22,
134.23, and 134.24.

134.22 Eligibility

134.221  Matter.
Matter that may be mailed free under this section is restricted to letters,
postcards, and recorded communications (whether sound or video) having the
character of personal correspondence.

134.222  Sender.
The free mailing privilege authorized by this section may be used only by
members of the United States Armed Forces on active duty who are

a.
assigned to military duty in an overseas area, as designated by the
President or authorized designee under 39 USC 3401(a)(1), and who mail the
matter at an Armed Forces post office established in that area; or

b.
hospitalized in a facility under the jurisdiction of the United States
Armed Forces as a result of disease or injury incurred as a result of military
service in an overseas area designated by the President or authorized designee.

Note:  As of June 10, 1991, "overseas areas" for the purpose of
134.222a include Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi
Arabia, the United Arab Emirates; parts of Iraq (north of 36 degrees north
latitude); parts of Turkey (east of 35 degrees east longitude and south of 40
degrees north latitude); and the adjacent waters of the Arabian Gulf, Arabian
Sea (north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east
longitude), Gulf of Aden, Mediterranean Sea (east of 27 degrees east
longitude), and Red Sea.  For the purpose of 134.222b, "overseas
areas" include those defined for 134.222a and Grenada, Lebanon, and
Vietnam.  Additions to and deletions from these lists are announced in the
Postal Bulletin.

134.223  Address.
Matter mailed free under this section must be addressed to

a.
a place in the United States (including its territories, possessions, and
Puerto Rico) that is served by a United States post office; or

b.
a military post office (APO/FPO).

134.23  Preparation.
The address side of a mailpiece mailed under this section must bear

a.
the word "FREE," written in the handwriting of the sender, in the upper
right corner, and

b.
the sender's name, military grade, and complete military address, in the
upper left corner.

134.24 Special Services.
Matter mailed free under this section may not be registered, certified, or
insured.  Special delivery service may be obtained upon prepayment of the
required fee (see 915.3).

134.25 Handling.
Matter mailed free under this section is treated as First-Class Mail for
purposes of transportation, processing, delivery, and handling if
undeliverable as addressed.

135  Free Matter for the Blind and Other Handicapped Persons

135.1 General.
Matter mailed by or for the use of blind or other handicapped persons may
be mailed free of postage provided the sender, the recipient, and the matter
being mailed comply with the applicable conditions of this section.

135.2  Definitions

135.21  Blind or Handicapped.
For purposes of this section, blind or other handicapped persons are those
who cannot read or use conventionally printed material because of a physical
impairment and who are certified by a competent authority as unable to read
normal reading material.

135.22  Competent Authority.
For purposes of this section, a competent authority includes any licensed
medical doctor, opthalmologist, optometrist, registered nurse, or professional
staff member of a hospital or other institution or agency.

135.3  List of Qualified Individuals

135.31  Postmaster's Record.
To assist in determining eligibility to mail matter under the provisions of
this section, postmasters must establish and maintain USPS 010.060 (see
Privacy Act System of Records, Administrative Support Manual,
Appendix) as a record of their customers who are blind or handicapped (as
defined in 135.21).  The postmaster also may require, and include as
part of the record, a statement by a competent authority certifying that the
individual is unable to read conventionally printed material.

135.32  Customer Information.
Customers wishing to know whether they are recorded as a blind or other
handicapped person (as defined in 135.21) may submit inquiries to
the postmaster, giving their full name and address.

135.33  Establishing Eligibility.
A customer who wishes to be added to the postmaster's record and establish
eligibility for mailing privileges under this section must submit his or her
name and address, and a written statement of certification by a competent
authority.

135.34  Postmaster's Personal Knowledge.
When the postmaster has personal knowledge that a particular customer has
been certified as blind or handicapped (as defined in 135.21), the
postmaster may include that individual in the list required by
135.31, and may extend to that individual mailing privileges under
this section.  In such instances, no written statement of certification is
required.

135.4  Matter for Blind or Other Handicapped Persons

135.41  Acceptable Matter.
Letters prepared in any form by sighted individuals, to be sent to a blind
or other handicapped person, or empty shipping materials for use in mailing
matter described in this section, cannot be sent free and must bear the full
applicable postage.  Subject to the conditions in 135.42, the
following matter may be mailed free of postage.

a.
Reading matter and musical scores.

b.
Sound reproductions.

c.
Paper, records, tapes, and other material for the production of reading
matter, musical scores, or sound reproductions.

d.
Reproducers or parts thereof, for sound reproductions.

e.
Braille writers, typewriters, educational or other materials or devices, or
parts thereof, used for writing by, or specifically designed or adapted for
use of, a blind person or a person having a physical impairment as described
in 135.2.

135.42  Conditions.
The matter listed in 135.41 must comply with the following
conditions:

a.
The matter must be for the use of a blind or other handicapped person, as
described in 135.2;

b.
Either no charge, rental, subscription, or other fee is required for such
matter; or, if required, may not exceed the cost of the item;

c.
The matter may be opened by the Postal Service for inspection; and

d.
The matter contains no advertising.

135.5  Matter Sent by Blind or Other Handicapped Persons

135.51  Acceptable Matter.
Letters that are handwritten or that are printed or typed in a type size
smaller than 14 point, cannot be sent free under this section and must bear
the full applicable postage.  Only the following matter may be mailed free of
postage, subject to the conditions in 135.52:

a.
Letters in raised characters or in sightsaving type (i.e., 14-point or
larger), or

b.
Letters in the form of sound recordings.

135.52  Conditions.
The matter listed in 135.51 must comply with the following
conditions:

a.
It must be unsealed, and

b.
It must be sent by a blind or other physically handicapped person, as
defined in 135.2.

135.6  Preparation

135.61  Markings.
All matter mailed under the provisions of this section must show the words,
"Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped," in the upper right corner of the
address side.

135.62  Special Services

135.621  Insurance.
Matter mailed under the provisions of this section may be insured (see 913)
upon payment of the appropriate insurance fee.

135.622  Other Special Services.
No other special services are available for matter mailed free of postage
under this section.  If mailers desire such services, they must pay the
applicable fees for the special services and the full postage applicable to
the class of mail selected.

135.63  Weight and Size Limits.
Matter mailed under the provisions of this section must meet the minimum
size requirements in 127 and may not exceed the maximum dimensions
shown in 751.

135.64  Mailability.
Matter mailed under the provision of this section must comply with the
prohibitions and conditions in 123 and 124.

135.65  Packaging.
Matter mailed under the provisions of this section should be packaged and
addressed as recommended by 121 and 122.

135.7  Handling.
Matter mailed free under the provisions of this section is not considered
to be part of any particular class of mail and is not protected against postal
inspection.  For the exclusive purposes of determining appropriate standards
and procedures for processing and delivery, and for handling if undeliverable,
such matter is treated as First-Class Mail.

135.8  International Mail.
The provisions of this section are applicable to domestic mail only.  See
International Mail Manual 250 for information concerning free matter
for the blind in international mail.





136 Mixed Classes of Mail

136.1 General.
When mail of a higher class is enclosed with mail of a lower class, the
rate of postage on the entire piece or package is that of the higher class,
except as provided in 136.2, 136.3, 136.4,
136.7, and 136.8.  Mailers are subject to a fine if they
knowingly conceal letters or other mail of a higher class (or rate) in mail
sent at a lower class (or rate) without paying the appropriate postage on the
enclosures as provided in 136.2, 136.3, and 136.4
(see 18 USC 1723).

136.2 Attachments of Two Different Classes

136.21 Attachment.
Letters or other pieces of Firstor third-class mail may be placed in an
envelope and securely tied or otherwise attached to the address side of a
second-, third-, or fourth-class mailpiece.  The envelope must be placed on
the address side of the principal mailpiece.  Combination envelopes or
containers having separate parts for the two classes of mail may be used.
(See 621.4 and 629.7 concerning the sealing of third-class
mail.)

136.22 Addressing.
The name and address of the sender and the name and address of the
addressee should be placed on both the principal mailpiece and the attachment.
 If both names and addresses do not appear on both pieces, the sender's name
and address must be placed on one and the name and address of the addressee
must be placed on the other.  Combination containers having inseparable
portions or compartments are mailable with the names and addresses on only one
portion.

136.23 Postage

136.231 Computation and Payment.
Postage for the host second-, third-, or fourth-class mailpiece must be
paid as provided in 460, 660, or 780,
respectively.  Except for incidental First-Class attachments as described in
136.4, Firstor third-class attachments must have postage affixed at
the appropriate rate.

136.232 Discounts and Reduced Rates

a.  Presort.
If a host piece qualifies for a presort discount, a Firstor third-class
attachment is eligible for the comparable Firstor third-class presort rate.
For example, if a host second-class mailpiece qualifies for the level C1
(carrier route) rate, a third-class attachment would qualify for the
third-class carrier route presort rate.  The attachment need not meet the
volume requirements that would apply if it were mailed separately.

b.  Automation.
If a host piece qualifies for an automated rate, a Firstor third-class
attachment is eligible for the comparable Firstor third-class rate.  For
example, if a host second-class mailpiece is eligible for a rate that includes
a ZIP+4 discount, a third-class attachment would qualify for the corresponding
third-class rate that includes a similar discount.  The attachment need not
meet the volume requirements that would apply if it were mailed separately.
An automated rate may not be claimed for an attachment unless a similar
automated rate is claimed for the host piece.  If the attachment renders the
host piece incompatible with automation requirements, neither the host piece
nor the attachment is eligible for an automation rate.


c.  Walk-Sequence.
If a host piece qualifies for a walk-sequence rate, a third-class
attachment is eligible for the comparable third-class rate provided every host
piece for which the walk-sequence rate is claimed has a third-class
attachment.  The attachment need not meet the volume requirements that would
apply if it were mailed separately.  A walk-sequence rate cannot be claimed
for an attachment unless a similar rate is claimed for the host piece.

d.  Destination Entry.
If a host piece qualifies for the delivery office zone rates, a third-class
attachment is eligible for the destination delivery unit reduction.  If a host
piece qualifies for the SCF zone rates, a third-class attachment can qualify
for the destination SCF third-class rate only if the host piece and attachment
are deposited and accepted at the SCF facility serving the delivery address of
the mailpiece.  The attachment need not meet the volume requirements that
would apply if it were mailed separately.  A rate including a destination
entry discount cannot be claimed for an attachment unless a similar rate is
available and claimed for the host piece.

136.233 Mailing Statements.
Separate mailing statements using the appropriate Postal Service forms must
be prepared for the host piece and the attachment.  The statement for the
attachment must be annotated to indicate it is for postage for a Firstor
third-class attachment.  The statement for the attachment must be submitted
with the statement for the host piece at the time of mailing.

136.234 Fee.
The annual bulk mailing fee (see 612.1) must be paid for the
current 12-month period at each office where postage for a third-class
attachment is paid at any bulk third-class rate.

136.24 Required Markings.
First-Class attachments may be marked "First-Class" or "Letter Enclosed."
Third-class attachments must be marked "Third-Class."

136.3 Mailing Enclosures of Different Classes

136.31 With Second-Class Publications

136.311 General.
Except as provided in 136.312, all enclosures mailed with a bound
publication must be bound into the publication or securely affixed to a page
of the publication.  Enclosures mailed with an unbound publication must be
combined with, and inserted within, the publication.  Separate and independent
pieces of nonincidental First-Class Mail (i.e., matter not qualifying as
incidental First-Class attached mail under 136.4) and pieces of
third-class mail may be mailed as enclosures with second-class publications.

136.312 Loose Enclosures.
Loose enclosures may be mailed together with a bound second-class
publication only under the following conditions:

a.
The enclosure and the second-class materials are totally enclosed in an
envelope, plastic wrapper (polybag), or paper wrapper, or the enclosure and
the second-class materials are contained in a sleeve and the enclosures are
inserted within the pages of the publication and held in place by tension, or
secured in such a manner that they do not become separated from the
publication while in the mail; and

b.
For third-class matter, the total weight of all enclosed materials must not
exceed the weight prescribed for third-class mail in 621.1c, it must
be less than 16 ounces; and

c.
The external dimensions of the enclosure may not exceed the external
dimensions of the second-class publication; and

d.
The publication and the enclosure must be prepared so that any permit
imprint on the enclosure is not visible to mailhandling personnel; and

e.
If enclosed in a plastic wrapper or polybag, the second-class publication
must be the top or bottom piece, must face out, and its title must be visible;
and

f.
The enclosure must not be addressed.

136.313 Computation of Postage
a.  General Rule.
The appropriate Firstor third-class rate, based on the comparable
second-class rate applicable to the addressed piece containing the enclosure,
must be paid for the enclosed material.

b.  Presort.
If a host piece qualifies for a presort discount, a Firstor third-class
enclosure is eligible for the comparable Firstor third-class presort rate.
For example, if a host second-class mailpiece qualifies for the level C1
(carrier route) rate, a third-class enclosure would qualify for the
third-class carrier route presort rate.  The enclosure need not meet the
volume requirements that would otherwise apply if it were mailed separately.

c.  Automation.
If a host piece qualifies for an automated rate, a Firstor third-class
enclosure is eligible for the comparable Firstor third-class rate.  For
example, if a host second-class mailpiece is eligible for a rate that includes
a ZIP+4 discount, a third-class enclosure would qualify for the corresponding
third-class rate that includes a similar discount.  The enclosure need not
meet the volume requirements that would apply if it were mailed separately.
An automated rate may not be claimed for an enclosure unless a similar
automated rate is claimed for the host piece.  If the enclosure renders the
host piece incompatible with automation requirements, neither the host piece
nor the enclosure is eligible for an automation rate.

d.  Walk-Sequence.
If a host piece qualifies for a walk-sequence rate, a third-class enclosure
is eligible for the comparable third-class rate provided every host piece for
which the walk-sequence rate is claimed has a third-class enclosure.  The
enclosure need not meet the volume requirements that would apply if it were
mailed separately.  A walk-sequence rate cannot be claimed for an enclosure
unless a similar rate is claimed for the host piece.

e.  Destination Entry.
If a host piece qualifies for the delivery office zone rates, a third-class
enclosure is eligible for the destination delivery unit reduction.  If a host
piece qualifies for the SCF zone rates, a third-class enclosure can qualify
for the destination SCF third-class rate only if the host piece and enclosure
are deposited and accepted at the SCF facility serving the delivery address of
the mailpiece.  The enclosure need not meet the volume requirements that would
apply if it were mailed separately.  A rate including a destination entry
discount cannot be claimed for an enclosure unless a similar rate is available
and claimed for the host piece.

136.314 Multiple Items.
When more than one enclosure of the same class of mail is enclosed with a
publication, they may be treated as a single enclosure for the purpose of
computing postage.

136.315 Method of Payment - Host Piece.
Postage for the second-class publication must be paid as prescribed in
460.  Any publisher authorized to pay second-class postage under the
Centralized Postage Payment (CPP) procedures in 464 may make
arrangements to submit mailing statements and pay postage for the Firstor
third-class enclosures to the designated post office (DPO) under the CPP
system procedures.  The publisher must obtain specific prior authorization
from the DPO each time the second-class publication is mailed with a Firstor
third-class enclosure.

136.316 Method of Payment - Enclosed Material

a.  Postage Affixed.
Postage for the Firstor third-class enclosure may be affixed to it or to
the outer wrapper, polybag, envelope, or cover of the host second-class
publication by precanceled or meter stamps.

b.  Permit Imprint on the Host Piece.
Postage for the Firstor third-class enclosure may be paid by permit
imprint if the permit imprint indicia is placed on the outer wrapper, polybag,
envelope, or cover of the host second-class publication, subject to the
following conditions:

(1)
The permit imprint must be prepared as required by 145.2 through
145.4 and must be set in type no smaller than any used in the notice
required by 429.625i.

(2)
Except when postage for the host publication is paid under the CPP system
(see 464) or the plant-verified drop shipment postage payment system
(see 465), the mail must be entered at the post office where the
permit is held as required by 145.5 and 145.6.

(3)
Except as provided in 136.316c, the permit imprint must not
appear on or in copies that are not accompanied by a Firstor third-class
enclosure.

c.  Permit Imprint in the Identification Statement.
Postage for the Firstor third-class enclosure may be paid by permit
imprint if the permit imprint indicia is placed in the identification
statement (required by 429.62) of the host second-class publication,
subject to the conditions in 136.316b and the following:

(1)
The indicia and the marking required by 136.317 must be set in
type no smaller than any used in the notice required by 429.625i,
and completely surrounded by either a black line or a 1/4-inch clear area.

(2)
The identification statement must not be located on one of the last three
editorial pages inside the back cover page of a bound publication, as
otherwise permitted by 429.62.

(3)
If the permit imprint and the marking required by 136.317 are
placed in the identification statement of all copies of a second-class
publication, the marking in each such copy must be followed by both a list of
the editions or edition codes mailed with a Firstor third-class enclosure and
the edition name or edition code that applies to the respective copy.

d.  CPP Publications.
Any publisher authorized to pay second-class postage under the Centralized
Postage Payment (CPP) procedures in 464 may make arrangements to
submit mailing statements and pay postage for the Firstor third-class
enclosures to the designated post office (DPO) under the CPP system
procedures.  The publisher must obtain specific prior authorization from the
DPO each time the second-class publication is mailed with a Firstor
third-class enclosure.

e. Fee.
The annual bulk mailing fee (see 612.1) must be paid for the
current 12-month period at each office where postage for a third-class
enclosure is paid at any bulk third-class rate.

136.317  Marking Required.
Whenever a second-class publication is mailed with a nonincidental
First-Class or any third-class enclosure, the corresponding "First-Class Mail
Enclosed" or "Third-Class Mail Enclosed" marking must be placed on or in the
host publication, subject to the following conditions:

a.
If placed on the outer wrapper, polybag, envelope, or cover of the host
second-class publication, it must be set in type no smaller than any used in
the notice required by 429.625i.

b.
If placed in the identification statement, it must meet the conditions in
136.316c.

c.
Except as provided by 136.316c, the marking must not appear on or
in copies which are not accompanied by a Firstor third-class enclosure.

136.318  Documentation

a.  Second-Class Publication.
Postage for the host second-class publication must be declared on the
appropriate mailing statement, and supported by the documentation specified in
the requirements for the rate claimed.

b.  Enclosed Material - Postage Affixed.
The correct postage must be affixed to each Firstor third-class enclosure
and reported on the appropriate mailing statement.  The documentation required
for the host publication must be amended to support the rate claimed for the
enclosed material.

c.  Enclosed Material - Permit Imprint.
Postage for the enclosure must be computed at the applicable Firstor
third-class rate, as appropriate, and correspond to the number of copies of
the second-class publication prepared in accordance with 136.316b.
Postage for the Firstor third-class enclosure must be claimed on the
appropriate mailing statement, and the documentation required for the host
publication must be amended to support the rate claimed for the enclosed
material.

Note:  At least 1 ounce of First-Class postage or the minimum
per-piece third-class postage, as applicable, must be paid for the enclosed
material (see 136.314).

d.  Mailing Statements.
Separate mailing statements using the appropriate Postal Service forms must
be prepared for the host piece and the enclosure.  The statement for the
enclosure must be annotated to indicate it is for postage for a Firstor
third-class enclosure.  The statement for the enclosure must be submitted with
the statement for the host piece at the time of mailing.

136.32 With Thirdand Fourth-Class Parcels

136.321 First-Class Enclosures.
Letters or other pieces of First-Class Mail may be enclosed with third-or
fourth-class mail.  Postage at the appropriate First-Class rate must be paid
for each letter or other piece of First-Class Mail, except incidental
First-Class attachments or enclosures as noted in 136.4.

136.322 Third-Class Enclosures.
Third-class mail may be enclosed in a fourth-class parcel mailed at the
rates in 711 or mailed free under 135.  Postage at the
applicable third-class rate must be paid on such matter, except as provided in
721.2, 722.3, 723.3, 724.3, and
725.5.

136.323 Placement of Enclosure.
The enclosure should be placed on top of other items in the parcel when
practical.

136.324 Postage

a.  Payment.
Postage for the enclosure must be placed on the outside of the parcel. It
may be added to the postage for the parcel and the total amount paid together,
or the postage for the enclosure may be affixed separately from the postage
for the parcel.

b.  Mailing Statements.
When required, separate mailing statements using the appropriate Postal
Service forms must be prepared for the host piece and the enclosure.  The
statement for the enclosure must be annotated to indicate it is for postage
for a Firstor third-class enclosure.  The statement for the enclosure must be
submitted with the statement for the host piece at the time of mailing.

136.325 Marking Required.
The mailer must place the endorsement "First-Class Mail Enclosed" or
"Third-Class Mail Enclosed" on each parcel below the postage and above the
address.  The endorsement may be hand-stamped, handwritten, typewritten,
printed, or put on by any other method.

136.4 Incidental First-Class Attachments or Enclosures

136.41 First-Class Matter.
Incidental First-Class matter may be enclosed in or attached to
second-class matter, third-class merchandise (including books but excluding
merchandise samples), and fourth-class matter.  The attached or enclosed
incidental matter may be mailed at the applicable postage rate of the host
piece with which it is attached or enclosed.

136.42 Eligibility Requirements

136.421
An incidental attachment or enclosure must be closely associated with or
related to the piece to which it is attached or in which it is enclosed, it
must be secondary to that piece, and it must not encumber postal processing.

136.422
An incidental attachment or enclosure includes, but is not limited to, one
or more of the following items:

a.
A bill for the product or publication.

b.
A statement of account for past products or publications.

c.
A personal message or greeting included with a product, publication, or
parcel.

136.43 Payment of Postage.
Incidental First-Class attachments or enclosures may be mailed with
second-class matter, third-class merchandise (including books but excluding
merchandise samples), and fourth-class mail.  Postage is based on the combined
weight of the incidental attachment or enclosure and the host piece with which
it is attached or enclosed, and is to be paid at the rate applicable to the
host piece.

Note:  For incidental attachments or enclosures with second-class
matter, if the second-class piece consists entirely of nonadvertising matter,
the attachment or enclosure is also considered nonadvertising matter; in all
other instances, the attachment or enclosure is considered part of the
advertising portion of the second-class piece.

136.44 Markings.
There are no marking requirements for incidental First-Class attachments or
enclosures mailed under the provisions of this section.

136.5 Treatment

136.51 Service.
Combination mailings of First-Class Mail with thirdor fourth-class mail
are processed and provided the service of thirdor fourth-class mail as
appropriate.

136.52 Forwarding.
Pieces of second-, third-, or fourth-class mail having other classes of
mail attached or enclosed under the combination mail arrangements provided for
by 136.2, 136.3, and 136.4 must be forwarded as
specified for the host piece in 159.2.  Neither the enclosures nor
the host piece should be provided the forwarding service of First-Class Mail.

136.53 Return

136.531
Undeliverable combination mailpieces mailed under 136.2 or
136.3, including those which cannot be forwarded, one part of which
is First-Class Mail, must in all cases be returned to the sender, subject to
the charge for return according to its class.  The weight of the First-Class
piece is not included when computing the charge for return of the second-,
third-, or fourth-class portion.

136.532
Any undeliverable combination mailpiece mailed under 136.2 or
136.3 which does not include First-Class matter must be disposed of
as provided in 159.

136.533
If for any reason an undeliverable combination mailpiece mailed under
136.2 or 136.3, one part of which is First-Class Mail, is
not returnable to the sender, it must be treated as provided in 159.

136.534
Items mailed under 136.4 are returned according to the class of
the host piece.

136.6 Special Services.
Combination mailpieces may be sent as special delivery or, in the case of
thirdor fourth-class parcels, as special handling, and only one fee
applicable to the parcel is required.  Combination pieces may not be
registered.  They may be sent insured or COD, the insurance to cover only the
value of the parcel.

136.7 Express Mail Drop Shipments

136.71 Definition of Service.
Mailers may use Express Mail Custom Designed Service or Express Mail Next
Day Service to expedite movement of any other class of mail from one domestic
postal facility to another.  Postal employees at the post office where the
Express Mail shipment destinates must open the Express Mail pouches and
distribute the enclosed mail in accordance with the service standards
appropriate for the class of mail enclosed.

136.72 Availability of Service

136.721
The Express Mail shipment must meet all eligibility and other requirements
for Express Mail specified in Chapter 2.

136.722
The mail enclosed in an Express Mail pouch must meet all eligibility and
other requirements of its class set forth in Chapters 3, 4, 6, or 7, as
appropriate.

136.723
The mail enclosed in an Express Mail pouch must consist either entirely of
single-piece rated matter or entirely of bulk-rated matter which is part of
the same bulk-rate mailing, unless an exception is specifically authorized by
the general manager, rates and classification center (see 132).

136.724
Express Mail drop shipment mailings can be made only at postal facilities
designated by postmasters to accept both the class of mail enclosed and
Express Mail.

136.725
Express Mail drop shipment mailings must be presented to the bulk mail
acceptance unit of the post office of mailing (origin post office) where the
enclosed mail is verified for proper preparation and correct payment of
postage and fees.

136.726
The mail is accepted as Express Mail after it has cleared the bulk mail
acceptance unit.  The Express Mail acceptance time is entered on the
appropriate Express Mail mailing statement when it reaches the Express Mail
unit.

136.727
The mailer is responsible for submitting such mailings to the bulk mail
acceptance unit with sufficient time allowed to enable bulk mail acceptance
employees to perform required verifications and to permit the mail to be
transported to the Express Mail unit before the appropriate Express Mail
acceptance cutoff time.  The mailer should contact the post office where the
mailing is accepted to determine when such a mailing must be presented to the
bulk mail acceptance unit.

136.73 Rates

136.731 Class of Mail Enclosed.

a.  General Rule.
Postage on the class of mail enclosed must be prepaid in accordance with
the rates for that class or subclass.  The fees for any special services must
also be prepaid.  When the enclosed class of mail is zone rated, the zone to
be used in computing postage is the applicable postal zone from the postal
facility where the Express Mail shipment is destined to the post office of
address on the individual pieces enclosed.


b.  Discounted Rates.
A reduced rate (based on presort, automation compatibility,
walk-sequencing, or destination entry) may be claimed if the applicable
requirements (including volume, preparation, and documentation) are met.  See
136.751a, 136.753, and the specific sections of Chapters
3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 that apply to the discounted rate claimed.

136.732 Express Mail Shipment.
Express Mail postage must be paid on the weight of the entire contents of
the Express Mail pouch from the post office of mailing (origin post office) to
the postal facility where the Express Mail shipment is destined.  The tare
weight of the Express Mail pouch is deducted for rate computation purposes.

136.74 Permits and Authorizations

136.741 General.
Except as provided in 136.742, no special permit or authorization
is necessary for using Express Mail drop shipment procedures.  The mailer
must, however, obtain any permits, licenses, or authorizations necessary for
acceptance of the class of mail enclosed or necessary for the method used for
postage payment, and pay all required bulk mailing fees, at the post office of
mailing (origin post office).

136.742 Zone-Rated Matter

a. List of Express Mail Destination Post Offices.
A mailer enclosing zone-rated items in Express Mail drop shipments must
provide the post office of mailing (origin post office) with a written list of
the Express Mail destination postal facilities the mailer plans to use at
least 10 workdays before the first Express Mail drop shipment is presented for
mailing.  A mailer is not required to tender Express Mail drop shipments to
every destination postal facility on the list with each mailing.  A mailer may
add a destination postal facility to the original list at any time, but the
mailer must provide the post office of mailing (origin post office) written
notice at least 10 workdays before the first drop shipment mailing to the
additional postal facility is presented for mailing.  Upon receipt of the
written notification, the post office of mailing (origin post office) must
obtain the postal zone charts necessary to verify proper payment of postage
for zone-rated items enclosed in an Express Mail drop shipment mailing.

b. Use of Meters and Precanceled Stamps.
The mailer must submit a written letter of application to the postmaster at
the post office of mailing (originating post office) requesting authorization
to use meters or precanceled stamps to pay postage on zone-rated matter
enclosed in an Express Mail drop shipment mailing.  This application may be
submitted along with the list of Express Mail destination post offices
required in 136.742a.  Upon receipt of the application, the
postmaster assigns an authorization number to the mailer. (Authorization
numbers are assigned in numerical sequence.)  The postmaster must advise the
mailer by letter of the authorization and authorization number.  (See also
marking requirements in 136.754.)

136.75 Preparation Requirements

136.751 General

a. Class of Mail Enclosed.
The class of mail enclosed must meet all preparation requirements for its
class and any special services used.  If the matter enclosed is to be mailed
at a bulk or presort rate, it must first be packaged according to the bulk or
presort preparation requirement for its class, as follows:

(1) Sacking Requirements.
Except when all packages are destined to the same 5-digit ZIP Code
destination as the Express Mail pouch (see 136.751a(2)), packages of
the enclosed matter must be sacked, pouched, or trayed and then enclosed in
the Express Mail pouch.

(2) Preparation Outside of Sacks.
Packages of the enclosed matter may be enclosed in the Express Mail pouch
without being sacked, pouched, or trayed, if all of the packages of the
enclosed matter are destined to the same 5-digit ZIP Code destination as the
Express Mail pouch.

b. Express Mail Shipment.
The Express Mail shipment must be prepared in accordance with 260.

136.752 Addressing

a. Enclosed Class.
Each piece of the enclosed class of mail must be addressed in accordance
with the requirements of its class.

b. Express Mail Shipment.
Each Express Mail pouch must be addressed "Tour Superintendent, Open and
Distribute," followed by the address of the postal facility where the Express
Mail shipment destinates.

136.753 Additional Preparation Requirements for Enclosed Classes of Mail

a. Presorted and Carrier Route First-Class Mail.
Except when pouching is authorized, Presorted First-Class and carrier route
First-Class mailings must be prepared in cardboard trays.  Mailers must place
sleeves over the trays and appropriately tie or strap the trays so that they
remain intact during transit inside of Express Mail pouches. The Postal
Service provides the trays and sleeves.  Residual pieces, whether trayed or
pouched, must be prepared in accordance with one of the two preparation
options listed below, in addition to meeting the requirements prescribed in
367.5.

(1) Option 1:  Physical Separation of Residual Pieces.
Residual mail must be placed in an Express Mail pouch separate from Express
Mail pouches containing qualifying Presorted First-Class or carrier route
First-Class Mail.  Express Mail pouches containing trays (or pouches) of
residual mail must be physically separated from Express Mail pouches
containing qualifying Presorted First-Class or carrier route First-Class Mail
upon presentation to the bulk acceptance unit.

(2) Option 2:  Documentation of Residual Pieces.
Residual pieces may be placed in Express Mail pouches containing qualifying
Presorted First-Class or carrier route First-Class Mail, provided

(a)
The residual pieces are packaged into groups of 100 and labeled with facing
slips which contain the word "Residual."  Any package of residuals containing
less than 100 pieces must show the exact number of pieces in the package on
the facing slip.

(b)
The residual packages are placed in a separate tray or pouch labeled
"Residual" or placed in a tray containing pieces qualifying for either the
Presorted First-Class or carrier route First-Class Mail rates.  If residual
packages are placed in a tray with qualifying pieces, a divider must be placed
before the residual packages which is clearly marked "Residual."

(c)
A list must be provided which shows the number of residual pieces by
Express Mail destination postal facility.

(d)
If more than one Express Mail pouch is addressed to a particular postal
facility in the mailing, the mailer must identify the Express Mail pouch which
contains the residual pieces for that destination postal facility.

b. Priority-Rate Mailings Paid for by Permit Imprint.
To facilitate verification of postage, the mailer must, when presenting
Priority Mail paid for by means of permit imprint as the enclosed mail,

(1)
enclose in each Express Mail pouch only sacks or pieces of Priority Mail
which are destined for the same postal zone, and

(2)
separate the Express Mail pouches into groups according to the postal zone
of the matter enclosed.

c. Second-Class Mailings Containing Pieces of Carrier Route or Five-Digit
Level Presort Rates.
If the method used to document the number of pieces paid for at the
second-class carrier route or 5-digit level presort per-piece rates on the
matter enclosed is to separate the sacks into groups according to the presort
level rate for which they are eligible when they are presented for mailing
(see 445), only packages prepared under 136.751 and sacks
containing pieces for the same presort level rate can be enclosed within an
Express Mail pouch.  Express Mail pouches must be physically separated
according to the presort level rate of the mail enclosed when presented for
mailing.

Example:  In a mailing containing pieces eligible for level A, level
B, and level C rates, a mailer must physically separate the Express Mail
pouches into three groups.  One group would be Express Mail pouches containing
sacks of second-class pieces eligible for the level A rate, another group
would be Express Mail pouches containing sacks of second-class mail eligible
for the level B rates, and the other group would be Express Mail pouches
containing sacks of second-class mail eligible for the level C rates.

Note: For purposes of this section, pieces paid at different level A
rates need not be separated from each other within the group of sacks
containing pieces eligible for level A.  Similarly, pieces paid at different
level B3 or B5 rates need not be separated from each other within the group of
sacks containing pieces eligible for level B, and pieces paid at level C1, C2,
and C3 rates need not be separated within the group of sacks containing pieces
eligible for level C.  Any additional documentation required by 424
must be submitted with the corresponding mail.

d. Identical-Weight, Third-Class, Five-Digit Presort-Level Rate Mailings
Containing Basic Rated Pieces.
If the method used to document the number of pieces enclosed which qualify
for the 3/5 presort rate is to physically separate the sacks containing pieces
subject to the basic presort rate from those eligible for the 3/5 presort rate
(see 624.241b), sacks containing pieces subject to the basic presort
rate must not be placed in Express Mail pouches with sacks containing pieces
qualifying for the 5-digit presort level rate.  The Express Mail pouches must
be physically separated according to the presort level rate of the mail
enclosed when they are presented for mailing.


e. Fourth-Class Parcel Post and Bound Printed Matter.
To facilitate verification of postage, the mailer must, when presenting
bulk parcel post or bulk bound printed matter paid for by meter or permit
imprint, or single-piece rate parcel post or bound printed matter paid for
with permit imprints, as the enclosed mail,

(1)
enclose in each Express Mail pouch only sacks or pieces which are destined
for the same postal zone, and

(2)
separate the Express Mail pouches into groups according to the postal zone
of the matter enclosed.  The DBMC entry rate may be claimed subject to the
provisions of 722.4.

136.754 Markings

a. Zone-Rated Enclosed Mail.
When the matter enclosed is zone-rated, and is paid for by metered postage
or precanceled stamps, the following marking must appear as part of the meter
stamp, or to the left of or below the meter stamp or precanceled stamp, in
addition to any other markings required by that class of mail:




Mail Under Cover
Zone Authorization No.


(Name of Post Office and State where Authorized)




This marking must be placed on the mailpieces in a manner which
does not interfere with the easy recognition of other endorsements required
for the class of mail.  The authorization number is that obtained in
accordance with 136.742b.  This marking notifies postal employees
that the piece is not subject to zone postage from the post office shown in
the meter imprint, precanceled stamp, or return address.  This marking thus
alerts postal employees that such pieces must not be erroneously rated
postage-due.

b.  Mixed Service Markings.
If mailers desire to place a marking on the enclosed class of mail being
drop-shipped to identify that the mail was transported by Express Mail, the
following marking must be used:

Transported by Express Mail
Delivered Locally as (insert enclosed class of mail)

The marking must be placed on the mailpiece immediately to the left of the
postage indicia of the enclosed class of mail, and the marking cannot exceed
the height of the postage indicia.

136.76 Payment of Postage

136.761 Method of Payment

a. Class of Mail Enclosed.
Postage on the class of mail enclosed must be paid by any means applicable
to that class of mail.

b. Express Mail Shipment.
Express Mail must be paid in accordance with 280.

136.762 Mailing Statements

a. Class of Mail Enclosed.
The mailer must submit the appropriate mailing statements for the class of
mail enclosed to the bulk mail acceptance unit in accordance with the
regulations pertaining to that class and method of postage payment.  When the
matter enclosed is zone-rated, the mailer must attach to the applicable
mailing statement documentation which shows the number of pieces for each
Express Mail destination postal facility in the mailing, by postal zone. The
documentation may consist of separate mailing statements for the pieces to
each postal facility where Express Mail shipments are destined.  The mailer
must also note on the applicable mailing statement the total number of Express
Mail pouches in the mailing in addition to the number of sacks, trays, or
other containers.

Note:  If no mailing statement is required for the class of mail
enclosed, the mailer must still present the mailing to the bulk mail
acceptance unit for verification of proper payment of postage and fees.

b. Express Mail Shipment.
The mailer must prepare statements necessary for the Express Mail portion
of the mailing in accordance with the instructions in 260.

136.77 Treatment

136.771 Service Objectives.
Express Mail drop shipments must be processed and provided the service of
the Express Mail service selected from the origin post office to the
destination post office of the Express Mail shipment.  See 223.3,
224.4, 230, and 294 for terms of postage refund guarantee
and insurance coverage.  The enclosed mail must be processed and provided
the service of that class of mail as appropriate from the post office where
the Express Mail shipment destinates to the final destination of the pieces
enclosed.

136.772 Ancillary Services

a. Forwarding and Return.
Forwarding and return services in 291 and 292 apply to
the Express Mail segment of the mailing.  The enclosed class of mail is
afforded the forwarding and return services appropriate for its class.

b. Special Services.
The mail enclosed may be sent certified (if First-Class), special handling
(if thirdor fourth-class), or special delivery (any class).  The mail
enclosed, regardless of class, must not be sent registered, insured, or COD.
The Express Mail shipment may obtain the services in 292 and
296.  The contents of each Express Mail pouch is considered one
article for Express Mail indemnity coverage in 294.

136.8 Combined Mailings of Special Fourth-Class and Bound Printed Matter

136.81 Definition.
Mailers may combine separate and distinguishable units of special
fourth-class and bound printed matter in one parcel for the same addressee.

136.82 Machinability.
All parcels containing combined special fourth-class and bound printed
matter must meet the machinable (regular) parcel criteria stated in
128.41.

136.83 Postage

a.  Payment.
Postage covering each separate unit of mail must be placed on the outside
of the parcel.  (See 780 for methods of postage payment.)

b.  Mailing Statements.
When required, separate mailing statements using the appropriate Postal
Service forms must be prepared for the special fourth-class portion and the
bound printed matter portion of the combined mailing.  Both statements must be
annotated to indicate they are for postage on part of a combined mailing, and
must be submitted together at the time of mailing.

136.84 Markings Required

a.
Sections 764.1 and 767.1 prescribe the marking
requirements for mailings of special fourth-class and bound printed matter.
In addition to those markings, the mailer must place on each parcel, below the
postage and above the address, an endorsement denoting the enclosure and the
amount of additional postage paid for it.

Examples:


BOUND PRINTED MATTER ENCLOSED  $1.46

SPECIAL FOURTH-CLASS ENCLOSED  $0.69



Parcels containing bound printed matter and special fourth-class are
properly chargeable with postage at parcel post zone rates when they are not
marked as prescribed, or when the contents do not consist of separate and
distinguishable units of mail, or when they are not machinable.

b.
Combined mailings of special fourth-class and bound printed matter which
are made through an alternate mailing system (AMS) under the provisions of
145.9 must be identified according to the specific terms and
conditions of the approved alternate arrangement.

136.85 Bulk or Presort Rate Mailings.
Bulk or presort rates may be claimed if the mail is prepared in accordance
with the applicable provisions of 763, 764, or
767.  Where bulk or presort rates are claimed on both subclasses,
the mail must be sorted in accordance with the requirements which provide the
finest degree of sortation of the two subclasses.

Example:  If a mailing consists of bulk bound printed matter and level
A presorted special fourth-class rate mail, it must be sorted to 5-digit ZIP
Code destinations meeting the provisions of 724.222 and
764.22. In this instance, sortation in accordance with the
requirements prescribed in 767 for bound printed matter would not
suffice.

136.86 Forwarding and Return.
Combination parcels containing special fourth-class and bound printed
matter are charged postage at the parcel post zone rates when forwarded or
returned.

136.9 Priority Mail Drop Shipment Service

136.91  Description.
Priority Mail drop shipment service expedites movement of any other class
or subclass of mail (except Express Mail) between domestic postal facilities.
The First-, second-, third-, or fourth-class mail is prepared in accordance
with the requirements for its class, and then enclosed in sacks that are
tagged and treated as Priority Mail.  When the Priority Mail sack arrives at
its destination post office, the Priority Mail sack is opened and the enclosed
mail is distributed in accordance with its service standards.

Note:  When a Priority Mail drop shipment containing third-class mail
is opened at an auxiliary facility, the enclosed mail is distributed in the
most cost-efficient manner that meets service commitments without detriment to
other classes of mail.

136.92  Requirements

136.921  Priority Mail Requirements.
The Priority Mail drop shipment must meet all eligibility and other
requirements for Priority Mail specified in Chapter 3.

136.922  Enclosed Mail Requirements.
All the mail enclosed within one Priority Mail sack must consist either
entirely of single-piece rated matter or entirely of bulk rated matter which
is part of the same bulk-rate mailing, unless an exception is specifically
authorized by the general manager, rates and classification center (see
132).  The enclosed mail must also meet all eligibility and other
requirements of its class.

136.923  Authorized Acceptance Unit.
Mailers must present a Priority Mail drop shipment to the bulk mail
acceptance unit that has been authorized by the postmaster to accept the class
of mail enclosed.  The acceptance unit must verify that the enclosed mail has
been properly prepared and that correct postage and fees have been paid.

136.924  Acceptance by the Post Office.
A Priority Mail drop shipment must clear the bulk mail acceptance unit and
be marked as a Priority Mail drop shipment before it can be accepted as such
by the post office.

136.925  Timeliness.
The mailer is responsible for submitting drop shipments to the bulk mail
acceptance unit early enough in the day to allow time for required
verifications and processing before the critical dispatch time for Priority
Mail.  The mailer should contact the accepting post office to determine when a
drop shipment should be presented.

136.926  Required Sacks.
Priority Mail drop shipments must be placed in white plastic domestic or
other approved sacks, properly labeled to the destination drop shipment
facility.  (Exception:  First-Class mailings must be presented in orange nylon
sacks.)  Any sack not provided by the Postal Service must be approved by the
Mail Transport Equipment Division, Mail Processing Department.  Tag 159,
Drop Shipment Priority Mail, must be attached to each sack to identify
it as Priority Mail, to identify the class of mail enclosed, and to provide a
place to affix Priority Mail postage.

136.93  Rates
136.931 Priority Mail.
The Priority Mail postage is based on the weight of the Priority Mail
sack's contents including the tare weight of any sacks or trays used to
prepare the enclosed class of mail.  (The tare weight of only the Priority
Mail sack is deducted before computing postage.)  It is zone-rated from the
accepting post office to the destination post office for the drop shipment
(not the destination post office for the enclosed mail).

136.932  Enclosed Mail

a.  General Rule.
Postage on the enclosed mail must be prepaid in accordance with the rates
for its class or subclass.  The fees for any special services must also be
prepaid.  If it is zone-rated, postage is computed on the basis that the
destination post office for the Priority Mail segment of the drop shipment is
the originating post office for the enclosed mail.

b.  Discounted Rates.
A reduced rate (based on presort, automation compatibility,
walk-sequencing, or destination entry) may be claimed if the applicable
requirements (including volume, preparation, and documentation) are met.  See
136.951b, 136.953, and the specific sections of Chapters
3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 that apply to the discounted rate claimed.
136.94 Permits and Authorizations

136.941 General.
Except as provided for in 136.942, no special permit or
authorization is required for using Priority Mail drop shipment service.  The
mailer must, however, obtain any permits, licenses, or authorizations required
for the enclosed mail or for the method of postage payment, and pay all
required bulk mailing fees at the post office where the Priority Mail shipment
is accepted.

136.942 Zone-Rated Enclosed Mail

a.  Listing Destination Post Offices.
A mailer enclosing zone-rated mail in Priority Mail drop shipments must
provide the accepting post office with a written list of all the drop shipment
destination post offices at least 10 workdays before the first drop shipment
is presented.  However, there is no requirement to mail to every listed post
office at every mailing.

b. Adding Destination Post Offices.
A mailer may add to the list of destination post offices at any time by
notifying the accepting post office in writing.  A destination post office
must be on the list for at least 10 workdays before a mailer may mail a drop
shipment to it.

c.  Zone Charts.
When notified by the mailer, the accepting post office must obtain the zone
charts for the listed destination post offices in order to verify the enclosed
mail.

d.  Zone Authorization Number.
The mailer must submit a written letter of application to the postmaster at
the accepting post office requesting authorization to use meters or
precanceled stamps to pay postage on zone-rated matter enclosed in a Priority
Mail drop shipment mailing.  This application may be submitted along with the
list of drop shipment destination post offices.  Upon receipt of the
application, the postmaster assigns a zone authorization number to the mailer
and notify the mailer of the authorization number.  (See marking requirements
in 136.954.)

136.95  Preparation Requirements

136.951  General

a.  Priority Mail Drop Shipment.
The Priority Mail drop shipment must be prepared in accordance with
360.  (See 136.926 for sack requirements.)

b.  Enclosed Mail.
The enclosed mail must meet all preparation requirements for its class or
subclass and any special services used.  If it is to be mailed at a bulk or
presort rate, it must be packaged and sacked or trayed in accordance with the
preparation requirements for its class.  The sacks or trays must then be
enclosed in the Priority Mail sack.

Exception:  If all of the packages of the enclosed mail are destined
to the same 5-digit ZIP Code as the Priority Mail drop shipment sack, they may
be placed in the Priority Mail sack without being sacked or trayed.

136.952  Addressing

a.  Priority Mail Drop Shipment.
Each Priority Mail sack must be labeled to its destination post office and
must have Tag 159, Drop Shipment Priority Mail, affixed.

b.  Enclosed Mail.
Each piece of the enclosed mail must be addressed in accordance with the
requirements of its class.

136.953  Additional Preparation Requirements for Enclosed Classes of Mail

a.  Presorted and Carrier Route First-Class Mail.
Except when pouching is authorized, Presorted First-Class and carrier route
First-Class mailings must be prepared in cardboard trays.  Mailers must place
sleeves over the trays and tie or strap the trays so that they remain intact
during transit inside the sack.  The Postal Service provides the trays and
sleeves.  Residual pieces, whether trayed or pouched, must be prepared in
accordance with one of the two preparation options listed below, in addition
to meeting the requirements prescribed in 367.5.

(1)  Option 1:  Physical Separation of Residual Pieces.
Residual mail must be placed in Priority Mail drop shipment sacks separate
from sacks containing qualifying mail.  Also, the sacks containing residual
mail must be physically separated from the sacks containing qualifying mail
upon presentation to the acceptance unit.

(2)  Option 2:  Documentation of Residual Pieces.
Residual pieces may be placed in Priority Mail sacks that contain
qualifying mail, provided

(a)
They are in packages of 100 pieces labeled with facing slips that have the
word "Residual" written on them.  Any package containing less than 100 pieces
must also show the exact number of pieces on the facing slip.

(b)
The residual packages are placed in a separate tray or pouch labeled
"Residual" or in a tray containing qualifying pieces if a divider which is
clearly marked "Residual" is placed before the residual packages.

(c)
The mailer provides a list which shows the number of residual pieces to
each post office where Priority Mail shipments are to destinate.

(d)
If two or more sacks are addressed to the same post office, the mailer
identifies the one containing the residual pieces.

b.  Second-Class Mailings Containing Pieces at Carrier Route or
Five-Digit Level Presort Rates.
If the method used to document the number of pieces paid for at the
second-class carrier route or 5-digit level presort per-piece rates on the
matter enclosed is to separate the second-class sacks into groups according to
the presort level rate for which they are eligible when they are presented for
mailing (see 424.842), only second-class sacks containing pieces for
the same presort level rate can be enclosed within one Priority Mail sack.
When presented for mailing, the Priority Mail sacks must be grouped according
to the presort level rate of the enclosed mail.

Example:  In a Priority Mail drop shipment mailing containing
second-class pieces eligible for level A, level B, and level C rates, the
Priority Mail sacks must be presented in three groups:  One group would be all
the sacks enclosing mail eligible for the level A rate, another group would be
all the sacks enclosing mail eligible for level B rate, and the third group
would be all the sacks enclosing mail eligible for level C rate.

Note: For purposes of this section, pieces paid at different level A
rates need not be separated from each other within the group of sacks
containing pieces eligible for level A.  Similarly, pieces paid at different
level B3 or B5 rates need not be separated from each other within the group of
sacks containing pieces eligible for level B, and pieces paid at level C1, C2,
and C3 rates need not be separated within the group of sacks containing pieces
eligible for level C.  Any additional documentation required by 424
must be submitted with the corresponding mail.

c.  Identical-Weight, Third-Class 3/5 Presort Rate Mailings That Include
Basic Presort Rate Pieces.
If the method used to document the number of pieces enclosed which qualify
for the 3/5 presort rate is to physically separate the third-class sacks
containing pieces subject to the basic presort rate from those eligible for
the 3/5 presort rate (see 624.241b), third-class sacks containing
pieces subject to the basic presort rate must not be placed in Priority Mail
sacks containing pieces qualifying for the 3/5 presort rate.  The Priority
Mail sacks must be physically separated according to the presort level rate of
the mail enclosed when they are presented for mailing.

d.  Fourth-Class Parcel Post and Bound Printed Matter.
To facilitate verification of postage, there are two steps the mailer must
take when presenting enclosed mail that is either bulk parcel post or bulk
bound printed matter paid for by meter or permit imprint, or single-piece rate
parcel post or bound printed matter paid for with permit imprints.  They are:

(1)
Enclose in each Priority Mail drop shipment sack only sacks or pieces
destined for the same postal zone, and

(2)
Separate the Priority Mail drop shipment sacks into groups according to the
postal zone of the matter enclosed.  The DBMC entry rate may be claimed
subject to 722.4.

136.954  Markings

a. Zone-Rated Enclosed Mail.
When the enclosed mail is zone-rated and is paid for by metered postage or
precanceled stamps, the following marking must appear as part of the meter
stamp, or to the left of or below the meter stamp or precanceled stamp.  This
is in addition to any other markings required for that class of mail.  The
zone authorization number is described in 136.942d.






Mail Under Cover
Zone Authorization No.


(Name of Post Office and State where Authorized)





This marking must be placed so as not to interfere with the easy
recognition of other endorsements required for the class of mail.  It
indicates that the piece is not subject to zone postage from the post office
shown in the meter imprint, precanceled stamp, or return address.  This is to
prevent these pieces from being erroneously rated postage-due.

b.  Mixed Service Markings.
If mailers desire to place a marking on the enclosed class of mail being
drop shipped to identify that the mail was transported by Priority Mail, the
following marking must be used:

Transported by Priority Mail
Delivered Locally as (insert enclosed class of mail)

The marking must be placed on the mailpiece immediately to the left of the
postage indicia of the enclosed class of mail and the marking cannot exceed
the height of the postage indicia.

136.96  Payment of Postage

136.961  Method of Payment

a.  Priority Mail.
Priority Mail postage must be paid by means of adhesive stamps or meter
stamps affixed to Tag 159, Drop Shipment Priority Mail.

b.  Enclosed Mail.
Postage on the enclosed mail may be paid by any means applicable to that
class of mail.

136.962  Mailing Statements

a.  Priority Mail.
No mailing statements are required for Priority Mail postage.

b.  Enclosed Mail.
The mailer must submit mailing statements to the bulk mail acceptance unit
appropriate for the class of mail enclosed and method of postage payment.

(1)
On the statements, the mailer must show the total number of Priority Mail
drop shipment sacks in the mailing, in addition to the number of sacks, trays,
or other containers.

(2)
If the enclosed mail is zone-rated, the mailer must submit the appropriate
mailing statement showing the total pieces and postage for each zone.  An
attachment must accompany the mailing statement which details the pieces and
postage, by zone, for each post office at which a Priority Mail shipment is to
destinate.  As an alternative to the attachment, the mailer may submit a
separate mailing statement for each Priority Mail drop shipment destination
post office.  If no mailing statement is required for the enclosed mail, the
mailer must still present the mailing to the bulk mail acceptance unit for
verification of the proper payment of postage and fees.

136.97  Treatment

136.971  Service Objectives.
Priority Mail drop shipments must be processed to meet the service
commitment for Priority Mail from the accepting post office to the drop
shipment destination post offices.  From the drop shipment destination post
offices to final delivery, the enclosed mail must receive the service
appropriate for its class.

136.972  Ancillary Services

a.  Forwarding, Return, and Address Correction.
The Priority Mail drop shipment segment of the mailing receives the
forwarding, return, and address-correction services described in
390.  The enclosed mail receives the services appropriate for its
class.

b.  Special Services.
Enclosed First-Class Mail may be sent certified; thirdor fourth-class mail
may be sent special handling; and any class of mail may be sent special
delivery (any class).  Enclosed mail, regardless of class, must not be sent
registered, insured, or COD.  No special services may be given to the Priority
Mail portion of the drop shipment.

137 Official Mail

137.1 Franked Mail

137.11 Members of Congress

137.111
Collection of Postage, Fees, and Charges.
Postage, fees, and charges on mail sent under the franking privilege by the
Vice President, Members and Members-elect of Congress, Delegates or
Delegates-elect, the Resident Commissioner or Resident Commissioner-elect from
Puerto Rico, the Secretary of the Senate, Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate, each
of the elected officers of the House of Representatives (other than a Member
of the House), Legislative Counsel of the House of Representatives and the
Senate, and Senate Legal Counsel are paid quarterly by a lump sum to the
Postal Service.

137.112 Description.
Official mail of Members of Congress is sent without prepayment of postage
and bears a written signature, printed facsimile signature, or other required
marking instead of a postage stamp.  The types of mail matter accepted under
frank and the officials authorized to use franked mail are shown in
Exhibit 137.112.
Exhibit 137.112  FRANKED MAIL OF MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

FRANKED MAIL

                                                               Period during
                       Matter that may                        which the frank
  Authorized users       be franked       Marking required      may be used

Vice President Public documentsThe words PublicDuring the 90-day
of the United printed by orderDocument--andperiod immedi-
States, Membersof Congressthe lettersately following
of Congress, U.S.S. or M.C.expiration of
Resident Commis-must appear ontheir respective
sioners, Secre-the address side.terms of office
tary of the
Senate, Sergeant
at Arms of the
Senate, and each
of the elected
officers of the
House of Repre-
sentatives (other
than Members of
the House)


Members of CongressionalThe words Congres-During term of
Congress andRecord or anysional Record oroffice only
Resident Com-part of it orPart of Congres-
missionersany reprint ofsional Record--
any part of itand the letters
or speeches orU.S.S. or M.C. must
reports containedappear on the
in it, if relat-address side.
ing to official
business, activ-
ities or duties


Members ofSeeds and agricul-The signature andDuring the 90-day
Congresstural reportstitle, eitherperiod immedi-
from the Depart-written orately following
ment of Agricul-printed fac-the expiration
turesimile, of theof their terms
person entitledof office
to frank it, must
appear on the
address side.


Vice PresidentOfficial corre-Mailgrams may beDuring term of
of the Unitedspondencesent in stan-office only.
States, Membersincludingdard MailgramWhen the position
and Members-Mailgramsenvelopes.  Forof Secretary,
elect of Cong-other corre-Sergeant at Arms,
ress, Residentspondence, theelected officer,
Commissioners,signature andLegislative Coun-
Secretary of thetitle, eithersel, Law Revision
Senate, Sergeantwritten orCounsel, or Sen-
at Arms of theprinted fac-ate Legal Counsel
Senate, each ofsimile, of theis vacant, privi-
the elected offi-person entitledleges may be
cers of the Houseto frank it mustexercised in
of Representa-appear on theofficer's name
tives, (otheraddress sideby authorized
than a Member of)persons.
the House), Leg-
islative Counsels
of the House of
Representatives
and the Senate,
the Law Revision
counsel of the
House of Repre-
sentatives, and
Senate Legal
Counsel



Vice-President-All mail sent byThe signature andUntil assumption of
electthe Vice Presi-title, eitherduties as the
dent-elect inwritten orVice President
connection withprinted fac-
preparation forsimile, of the
the assumptionVice President-
of officialelect must appear
duties on the address
side.


Former Vice Matter on officialThe signature andDuring the 90-day
President, eachbusiness relatedtitle, eitherperiod immedi-
former Member ofto the closingwritten orately following
Congress, theof their respec-printed fac-the date on which
former Secretarytive officessimile, of thehe leaves office.
of the Senate,person entitled
the former Ser-to frank it must
geant at Arms ofappear on the
the Senate, eachaddress side.
former elected
officer of the
House (other than
a former Member of
the House), and
each former Dele-
gate or Resident
Commissioner


Former Speakers Public documents,The signature andFor as long as the
of the House.seeds and agri-title, eitherformer Speaker
cultural reportswritten ordetermines
from the Depart-printed fac-necessary.
ment of Agricul-simile, of the
ture, officialformer Speaker,
correspondenceor appropriate
including Mail-Mailgram or
grams.public document
marking as indi-
cated above, must
appear on the
address side.







Authorized users
Matter that may be franked
Marking required
Period during which the frank may be used
 

Vice President of the United States, Members of Congress, Resident
Commis-
sioners, Secretary of the Senate, Sergeant at Arms of the Senate, and each of
the elected officers of the House of Representatives (other than Members of
the House)

Public documents printed by order of Congress

The words Public Document and the letters U.S.S. or M.C. must
appear on the address side.

During the 90-day period immediately following expiration of their
respective terms of office

Members of Congress and Resident Commissioners

Congressional Record or any part of it or any reprint of any part
of it or speeches or reports contained in it, if relating to official
business, activities, or duties

The words Congressional Record or Part of Congressional Record
and the letters U.S.S. or M.C. must appear on the address side.

During term of office only

Members of Congress

Seed and agricultural reports from the Department of Agriculture

The signature and title, either printed or facsimile, of the person
entitled to frank it, must appear on the address side.

During the 90-day period immediately following the expiration of their
terms of office

Vice President of the United States, Members and Members elect of Congress,
Resident Commissioners, Secretary of the Senate, Sergeant at Arms of the
Senate, each of the elected officers of the House of Representatives (other
than a Member of the House), Legislative Counsels of the House of
Representatives and the Senate, the Law Revision Counsel of the House of
Representatives, and Senate Legal Counsel

Official correspondence including Mailgrams

Mailgrams may be sent in standard Mailgram envelopes.  For other
correspondence, the signature and title, either written or printed facsimile,
of the person entitled to frank it, must appear on the address side.

During term of office only.  When the position of Secretary, Sergeant at
Arms, elected officer, Legislative Counsel, Law Revision Counsel, or Senate
Legal Counsel is vacant, privileges may be exercised in officer's name by
authorized persons.

Vice President-elect

All mail sent by the Vice President-elect in connection with preparation
for the assumption of official duties

The signature and title, either written or printed facsimile, of the Vice
President-elect must appear on the address side.

Until assumption of duties as the Vice President

Former Vice President, each former Member of Congress, the former Secretary
of the Senate, the former Sergeant at Arms of the Senate, each former elected
officer of the House (other than a former Member of the House), and each
former Delegate or Resident Commissioner

Matter on official business related to the closing of their respective
offices

The signature and title, either written or printed facsimile, of the person
entitled to frank it, must appear on the address side.

During the 90-day period immediately following the date on which he leaves
office

Former Speakers of the House

Public documents, seeds, and agricultural reports from the Department of
Agriculture, official correspondence including Mailgrams

The signature and title, either written or printed facsimile, of the former
Speaker, or appropriate Mailgram or public document marking as indicated
above, must appear on the address side.

For as long as the former Speaker determines necessary


Exhibit 137.112, Franked Mail of Members of Congress]


137.12 Individuals

137.121 President-Elect.
All mail sent by any President-elect in connection with preparations for
the assumption of official duties as President may be accepted without
prepayment.  The right to use official franked mail ceases immediately upon
inauguration to the presidency.

137.122 Former President and Surviving Spouse of Former President.
All nonpolitical mail of former United States Presidents and of the
surviving spouse of a former President must be accepted without prepayment of
postage, if it bears the written signature of the sender or a facsimile
signature and the words "Postage and Fees Paid" in the upper right corner of
the address side.

137.123 Surviving Spouse of Member of Congress.
Upon the death of a Member of Congress during the term of office, the
surviving spouse of such Member may send without prepayment of postage, for a
period not to exceed 180 days after the death of the Member, correspondence
relating to the death of the Member, provided it bears the written signature
of the sender, or a facsimile signature in the upper right corner of the
address side.  Where there is no surviving spouse, this privilege may be
exercised by a member of the immediate family of a Member of Congress who dies
in office.  The member of the immediate family must be designated to send such
mail by the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House of
Representatives, as appropriate.

137.13 Restrictions

137.131 General Restrictions

a.
A person entitled to use franked mail may not loan this frank or permit its
use by any committee, organization, or association or permit its use by any
person for the benefit or use of any committee, organization, or association.
This restriction does not apply to any committee composed of Members of
Congress.

b.
Franked mail must meet the mailability criteria established in 123
and 124.

c.
Franked mail is entitled to any special services for which it is properly
endorsed.

d.
Franked mail is handled as ordinary mail.

e.
Franked mail is forwarded like any other mail; but, when once delivered to
the addressee, it may not be remailed.  A package of franked pieces may be
sent by a person entitled to the franking privilege to one addressee, who, on
receiving and opening the package, may on behalf of such person place
addresses on the franked articles and mail them.

f.
Franked mail must be addressed to the recipient by name, except as provided
in 122.452.

137.132 Restrictions for Members of Congress

a.
Matter transmitted under frank of the Vice President, each Member of or
Member-elect to Congress, the Secretary of the Senate, the Sergeant-at-Arms of
the Senate, each of the elected officers of the House of Representatives
(other than a Member of the House), each Delegate or Delegate-elect, the
Resident Commissioner or Resident Commissioner-elect, each Legislative Counsel
of the House and the Senate, and Senate Legal Counsel must relate to the
official business, activities, and duties of the Congress of the United States.

b.
Matter transmitted under frank of the former Vice President, each former
Member of Congress, the former Secretary of the Senate, the former
Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate, each former elected officer of the House of
Representatives (other than a former Member of the House), and each former
Delegate or Resident Commissioner must be on official business relating to the
closing of their respective offices.

137.14 Weight and Size Limits.
Franked mail must conform to the weight, size, and shape requirements for
the class of mail being used.



]



137.15 Forwarding Mailing Records for Franked Mail

137.151

a.
Post offices regularly serving the district or state offices of Members of
Congress and other authorized users of the frank must record on Form 103 all
applicable information as described in Notice 4, Sampling Instructions for
Form 103, Franked Mail--Outside Washington Subsystem.

b.
The Statistical Reporting Division, Headquarters; rates and classification
centers; divisions; and MSCs administer the field data collection function as
described in Notice 4-A, Administrative Procedures for Form 103, Franked
Mail--Outside Washington Subsystem.

137.152
Do not report on Form 103 any franked mail entered by an authorized
contractor or endorsed "Presorted First-Class" or "Third-Class Bulk."  The
appropriate mailing statements are required for such mailings entered at the
reporting post office by representatives of the authorized user of the frank.
For billing purposes, forward the mailing statements to the General Manager,
Official and International Mail Accounting Division, Headquarters.  Post
offices must not report data for mail in the following categories on either
Form 103 or the mailing statement:

a.
Third-class bulk and other franked mail sent in orange pouches from
Washington, DC, in accordance with the Postal Operations Manual. This
mail is counted and reported by the Washington, DC, Post Office.

b.
The value of special service fees paid on franked envelopes by affixed
postage.

c.
Volume and revenue for postage and fees paid (penalty mail) matter sent by
executive and judicial agencies and departments of the Federal Government.

137.153

a.
Post offices regularly serving congressional district or state
offices must forward Forms 103 to their management sectional center (MSC) no
later than 1 workday after the test is completed.

b.
These post offices must submit negative reports on Form 103 even when no
reportable franked mail items are received on the scheduled test dates.

137.154

a.
Post offices not regularly serving a congressional district or
state office do not report in this subsystem.

b.
If such post offices begin to receive franked mail on a regular basis, they
must contact their division/MSC to determine if such post offices should be
included in this subsystem.

137.155

a.
Franked mail may be tendered to the local post office using whatever method
is convenient to the congressional office and agreed to by the local
postmaster, provided the mail is properly pouched and labeled.  This includes
deposit in a designated collection box, at a post office, or by way of daily
mail collection service.  Where collection service is provided, collection
should be scheduled as late as possible, considering the needs of the
congressional district or state office.

b.
Post offices serving a congressional district or state office must provide
the office with orange pouches and outgoing pouch labels.  The first
visible line of the label must identify the facility where the designated
functional unit responsible for sampling the mail is located. The second
line is the contents line which must read "Congress--Data Collect Unit."  The
third line must include the Congressperson's last name and the ZIP Code of the
congressional district or state office.  If space permits, include the city
name and state code of the congressional district or state office.



Example:                                 (Line No.)
MCKEESPORT PA 15134                             1
CONGRESS DATA COLLECT UNIT              2
GAYDOS  MCKEESPORT PA  15132 3



c.
Postmasters must make arrangements to ensure that the mail pouches are
promptly delivered, on a daily basis, to the designated data
collection unit responsible for sampling the mail.  Pouches which are not
sampled must be processed immediately.  Window clerks must advise the
designated data collection unit, on a daily basis, of the number of
pieces of mail submitted with nonprepaid special services, identifying the
Congressperson and Congressperson's district or state office ZIP Code.  The
number of pieces of mail for each specific special service must be identified.
 Postage-due units must be checked for any returned or shortpaid mail.

d.
To ensure the integrity of the statistical revenue estimates, congressional
district or state offices should not be aware of scheduled test dates.

137.156
The Government Relations Department, Headquarters, must be advised of any
problems experienced in serving a congressional district or state office.

137.16 Undeliverable-as-Addressed Franked Mail.
Post offices must send franked mail bearing a Washington, DC, return
address that is undeliverable as addressed and endorsed to guarantee return
postage and/or address-correction service to the Superintendent of Government
Mails, Washington, DC Post Office (for address, see Address List in
Appendices).  They must not return it to the individual Senator or
Representative responsible for the mailing.

137.2 Penalty Mail--Executive and Judicial Officers

137.21 Definition.
Penalty mail is official mail sent by agencies of the United States
Government containing matter relating exclusively to the business of the
Government of the United States which is authorized by law to be transmitted
in the mail without prepayment of postage.  For the purposes of 137.2
through 137.4, departments, agencies, corporations, establishments,
commissions, committees, and any officers or other authorities of the United
States Government authorized to use official penalty mail are generally
referred to as "agencies."  See 137.24 for a further description of
who may send and what may be sent as penalty mail.

137.22 Collection of Postage and Fees.
Agencies must reimburse the Postal Service the equivalent amount of postage
and fees due for the penalty mail service they receive. Instructions governing
the manner of reimbursement for penalty mail service are issued and
administered by the general manager, Official and International Mail
Accounting Division, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see Address List in
Appendices).  Agencies and any contractors authorized by them to use
penalty mail services must promptly furnish, in the manner and form requested,
all information which the manager considers necessary to ensure accurate
measurements of penalty mail use and adequate budgeting for timely payment.
The manager may require agencies to establish improved methods of estimating
or measuring penalty mail volume, or to use penalty postage meters or other
forms of direct accountability for the use of penalty mail services, where the
manager determines such action is necessary to ensure proper reimbursement.
Before making any such determination, the manager must consult with the agency
involved to identify possible alternative actions which may be more efficient
or more economical.  If the manager decides to require the use of penalty
postage meters or other forms of accountability for the use of penalty mail
services, adequate advance notice must be given to affected agencies.

137.23 Prepayment of Postage and Fees.
Agencies may choose to prepay postage by using regular postage stamps,
commercial meters, or any other means available to private-sector mailers, in
addition to or instead of the procedures described in 137.22.  Mail
which is prepaid in this manner is not considered penalty mail and must not
contain the penalty indicia format elements described in 137.27.

137.24 Eligibility for Penalty Mail Privileges

137.241 General.
Only matter relating exclusively to the business of the Government of the
United States, mailed by officers of the executive and judicial branches of
the Government, the Legislative Counsel for the House of Representatives and
the Senate, the Superintendent of Documents, and, when it mails correspondence
concerning the Congressional Directory, the Joint Committee on
Printing, may be sent without prepayment of postage as penalty mail.  Mail
matter not relating exclusively to the business of the Government may not be
sent as penalty mail.  The Postal Service generally considers that the mailing
department or agency should determine which matter relates exclusively to its
own business.  Departments and agencies authorized to mail matter as penalty
mail should maintain rules and guidelines for the use of penalty mail
privileges, which should include provisions concerning the circumstances, if
any, when officers or employees may mail retirement announcements, Christmas
cards, job resumes, complaints, grievances, and similar materials as penalty
mail.  Instances of questionable use must be referred to the agency.

137.242 Special Users of Penalty Mail

a.  Department of Agriculture

(1) Extension and Home Economics.
All correspondence, bulletins, and reports relating to agriculture
extension work and home economics carried on in cooperation with the United
States Department of Agriculture may be sent as penalty mail, when mailed by
the college officer or other person who is connected with the extension
department of the college and who has been designated by the Secretary of
Agriculture.  The designated officer may deposit mailings only at the post
office authorized by the general manager, rates and classification center (see
132).  Correspondence must be conducted under the name of the
designated officer.  Correspondence with an autograph signature may be sealed,
but all other matter must be left unsealed.

(2) Cooperative Extension Work.
All correspondence, bulletins, pamphlets, and other matter promoting
cooperative extension work as a Federal enterprise or otherwise relating
exclusively to the business of the Government of the United States may be sent
as penalty mail, when mailed by cooperative extension agents of the United
States Department of Agriculture Extension Service, such as county agents,
county home demonstration agents, farm management demonstrators, and farm
forestry agents as part of their official duties.  Correspondence mailed by
cooperative extension employees must be signed by authorized agents of the
United States Department of Agriculture, who must give their official titles
to indicate they are officers of the United States Government and entitled to
use penalty mail.

(3) Research and Experimentation.
Bulletins, reports, periodicals, reprints of articles, and other
publications necessary for the dissemination of results of research and
experiments, including lists of publications available for distribution, may
be sent as penalty mail when mailed by agricultural experiment stations
designated by the act of March 2, 1887, as amended by the act of August 11,
1955 (see 39 USC 3707(a)(4)).  The officer in charge of a station which claims
the privilege of sending materials through the mail without prepayment of
postage must file an application at the post office where the station is
located.  The post office must forward the application to the general manager,
rates and classification center (see 132).  This application must
state the date of establishment of the station, its name or designation, its
official organization, the names of its officers, the name of the college,
school, or institution, if any, to which it is attached, the state or
territorial legislation providing for its establishment, and any other
legislation granting it the benefits of the act of Congress cited above.  Use
of special services is not authorized for penalty mail of agricultural
experiment stations.

(4) College Reports.
Annual reports (under 7 USC 325) of Government-aided colleges may be sent
as penalty mail, when addressed to the Secretary of Education, the Secretary
of Agriculture, or to any other such Government-aided college.

b. State Employment Security Offices.
All mail prepared in accordance with 137.272b(4),
137.273, 137.274, and 137.276 by state employment
security offices cooperating with the U.S. Department of Labor must be
accepted without prepayment of postage or fees. Postage and fees chargeable
are collected periodically under a special arrangement between the Postal
Service and the U.S. Department of Labor. Such matter must be given the
service indicated on the cover.

c. General Secretariat of the Organization of American States and Pan
American Health Organization (or Pan American Sanitary Bureau).
The general secretariat of the Organization of American States and Pan
American Health Organization (or Pan American Sanitary Bureau) are authorized
by law to transmit official matter without prepayment.  Detailed procedures
for international mailings of these organizations are located in
International Mail Manual 144.4 and 144.5.

