


140 Postage

141 Stamped Envelopes, Postal Cards, Aerogrammes

141.1 Plain Stamped Envelopes

141.11 Envelopes Available at Post Offices



Quantity and Price

Each
(less
Denomi-than
KindSizenation500)500 1,000

Regular6-3/4$0.29$0.34$152.40$304.80
101 0.29 0.34 156.00 312.00

Single6-3/4$0.29$0.34$153.00$306.00
Window1010.290.34 157.00 314.00

Double101$0.29$0.34$158.50$317.00
Window

Special6-3/4$0.29$0.34$154.00$308.00
Regular21010.29 0.34
 157.00 314.00

Nonprofit6-3/4$0.111$62.90$125.80
Regular1010.111 66.50 133.00

Nonprofit 6-3/4$0.111$63.50$127.00
Sngl.Wndw.1010.111 67.50 135.00

1 Applies to all intermediate sizes through 10.
2 Envelopes with a multicolor indicia such as a "Love" stamp or
a hologram.


141.12  Sales at Post Offices.
Only sizes 6-3/4 and 10 regular and window envelopes are sold in less than
full box lots.  Boxes contain 500 envelopes.

141.13 Nonprofit Envelopes.
Only nonprofit organizations and political committees that have obtained
authorizations to mail at the special bulk third-class rates (see 625
and 626) may purchase nonprofit envelopes.  Sales are made in full
box lots only, except at philatelic outlets (see 141.15).  Nonprofit
envelopes are precanceled.

141.14 Window Envelopes

141.141  Standard Window Sizes.
Standard windows are 1-1/8 inches high and 4-3/4 inches wide and are
located 1/2 inch from the bottom edge of the envelope.  In size 6-3/4
envelopes, the window is located 7/8 inch from the left edge; in size 10
envelopes, it is 3/4 inch from the left edge.  On double window envelopes, the
second window (designed for a return address) is located 1/2 inch from the top
and left edges, and measures 3/4 inch high and 2-1/2 inches wide.

141.142  Other Window Sizes.
Other window sizes and locations occasionally may be produced.  Window
sizes may not exceed 1-1/2 inches high and 5 inches wide, window locations may
not be nearer than 3/8 inch to any edge of the envelope, and must conform to
general Postal Service mail-addressing guidelines.

141.15 Envelope Sales at Philatelic Centers.
Nonprofit stamped envelopes may be sold at philatelic outlets in less than
full box lots of 500.  The selling price of a single nonprofit stamped
envelope is the price for each appropriate size and type listed in the current
issue of Form 3300.  Philatelic outlets do not sell full box lots of nonprofit
stamped envelopes.

141.16 Envelope Dimensions

141.161 Regular Sizes.
Dimensions may vary 1/16 inch, as follows:

a.  Size 6-3/4:
3-5/8 by 6-1/2 inches.

b.  Size 10:
4-1/8 by 9-1/2 inches.

141.162  Intermediate Sizes.
Intermediate sizes are those between 6-3/4 and 10 (as determined by surface
area in square inches).  Guidelines include the following:

a.  Length:
No greater than 9-1/2 inches nor less than 6-1/2 inches;

b.  Height:
No greater than 5 inches nor less than 3-5/8 inches;

c.  Surface Area:
No greater than 39 square inches; and

d.  Length Divided by Height:
Between 1.3 and 2.5, inclusive.

141.17 Private Printing of Return Addresses.
Stamped envelopes may be privately printed in any style, if at least 3-1/2
inches of clear space remains at the right end of the address side of the
envelope.

141.2 Personalized Envelopes (Special Request)

141.21 Personalized Envelopes Available by Mail Order



Quantity and Price

Denomi-
KindSizenation50500 1,000

Regular6-3/4$0.29$17.20 $156.40$312.80
101 0.29 17.40 160.00 320.00

Single6-3/4$0.29$17.30 $157.00 $314.00
Window1010.29 17.50 161.00 322.00

Special6-3/4$0.29$17.20$158.00$316.00
Regular21010.29
 17.40 161.00 322.00

Nonprofit6-3/4$0.111$66.90$133.80
Regular1010.111 70.50 141.00

Nonprofit6-3/4$0.111$67.50$135.00
Sngl.Wndw.1010.111 71.50 143.00

1 Applies to all intermediate sizes through 10.
2 Envelopes with a multicolor indicia such as a "Love" stamp or
a hologram.


141.22 Ordering Procedures.
Personalized envelopes, which are stamped envelopes imprinted with a return
address, are available only by mail order from the Stamped Envelope Unit, U.S.
Postal Service (for address, see Address List in Appendices).  Customers
prepare Form 3203 and mail it with the proper remittance to the Stamped
Envelope Unit.  Payment must be made by check or money order for the full cost
of the sizes, types, and quantities of envelopes ordered.  Postal employees
may assist customers in completing and mailing the order form as necessary.
If a customer wants to pay for an order with cash, issue a "no fee" money
order and send it with Form 3203 to the Stamped Envelope Unit.

141.23 Style of Printing Return Addresses.

All lines of the return address are printed in capital and lowercase
letters with flush left margin, using 8-point Helvetica type, with the firm
name or main lines printed in bold type, as shown in this sample.


Mr. and Mrs. John Doe(bold sans serif)
475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW(light
Washington, DC  20260-9998sans serif)


141.24 Required Printing

141.241 Local Address.
The printed address must include the local address.  The adequacy of the
address, to ensure return of undeliverable mail, is determined by the
postmaster.  Any one of the following may be used:

a.
Street address.

b.
Post office box number.

c.
Rural route number and box number.

d.
Name of building and room number, including street address.

e.
A street address and a post office box number may be shown in the return
address.  When both addresses are shown, mail is returned to the address
indicated on the line immediately preceding the city, state, and ZIP Code.
The ZIP Code must be that of the delivery unit serving the address shown in
the line immediately preceding the city and state.

141.242 Name of Post Office.
The printed return address must include the name of the post office or
branch post office, state, and either the ZIP+4 or the 5-digit ZIP Code.

141.25 Optional Printing

141.251 Name

a.
The name may be that of an individual, firm, corporation, institution,
association, or society.  It may include the name and title of an officer of
the concern (as John Doe, Treasurer, Washington Educational Association) and
such titles as M.D., D.D.S., Rev., and LL.D.

b.
Descriptive words, such as "Druggist," "Attorney at Law," "Esquire," or
"C.P.A." are not considered titles, but represent business or professional
names, which may also be printed.  Such descriptive words are printed subject
to the conditions in 141.252.

c.
The name of a branch or department of a business may be printed only when
necessary to ensure return of undeliverable mail; i.e., when other branches or
departments are located at the same post office address.

141.252 Advertising

a.
A brief statement or descriptive phrase devoted to advertising may be
printed either following the name or on one or two separate lines.  There may
not be more than two such lines devoted to permissible advertising, and these
two lines should appear between the name (or main line) and the local address.

b.
An individual or organization engaged in business, professional,
educational, social, cultural, charitable, political, or other endeavors may
advertise.  The advertisement may describe the nature of the business of the
individual or organization, or refer to the goods, services, or works provided
by the individual or organization.

c.
Statements or descriptive phrases which describe the nature of a business
and contain a reference to the quality of the goods or services produced, such
as "Best Tires in Town" or "Complete Insurance" are permitted.

d.
Nothing may be printed which would make the envelope nonmailable under 18
USC 1463, which prohibits the mailing of indecent matter on wrappers or
envelopes.

141.253 Telephone Numbers.
The telephone number of any individual or group may be printed on the
envelope and must appear immediately preceding the local address.

141.254 Postal Instructions.
Only the postal instructions in this section may be included as part of the
printed return address.  The "request to return" endorsement in
141.254a shall appear above the name and address.  All other postal
endorsements shall appear below the line with the city, state, and ZIP Code.
A combination of endorsements may be used.

a. Request to Return.
A request to return undelivered mail after a specified number of days (not
less than 3 and not more than 30) may be printed.  If such a request is
printed on envelopes to be mailed at third-class rates, those pieces must bear
an authorized endorsement that incorporates the words "Return Postage
Guaranteed" (see Exhibit 159.151c through Exhibit
159.151e).  Sample printing:

AFTER 5 DAYS, RETURN TO

b. Address Correction.
By use of the endorsement "Address Correction Requested" or incorporation
of those words into another endorsement authorized by Exhibit
159.151a, or Exhibit 159.151c through Exhibit
159.151f, a request for address-correction service may be printed on
pieces of Express, First-, or third-class mail.  (Address-correction service
is provided automatically for second-class mail.)  The new address of the
addressee, or the reason why the piece is undeliverable, is furnished the
mailer upon payment of the applicable fee (see 215, 315.2,
or 612.2, as appropriate to the specific class of mail).  Sample
printing:

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Note:  On a mailpiece, this endorsement must be printed in at least
8-point type.

c. Third-Class Mail.
On single-piece rate third-class mail (see also 629.61), the
following must appear:

THIRD-CLASS

d. Return of Undelivered Third-Class Mail.
As provided in 692, a request may be made to return undelivered
third-class mail by printing on each piece an authorized endorsement that
incorporates the words "Return Postage Guaranteed" (see Exhibit
159.151c through Exhibit 159.151e).  Sample printing:

FORWARDING AND RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED

Note:  On a mailpiece, this endorsement must be printed in at least
8-point type.


e. Forwarding Third-Class Mail.
As provided in 691, a request may be made to forward third-class
mail by printing on each piece an authorized endorsement that incorporates the
words "Forwarding and Return Postage Guaranteed" (see Exhibit
159.151c through 159.151e).  Sample printing:

FORWARDING AND RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED

Note:  On a mailpiece, this endorsement must be printed in at least
8-point type.

141.26 Other Requirements

a.
No line of either required or optional printing may exceed 47 characters
and spaces.

b.
The total number of lines of required and optional printing may not exceed
seven.

c.
The last two lines of printing shall be reserved for the street address or
post office box number where mail is to be delivered, and the city, state, and
ZIP Code.

141.27 Nonstandard Printing.
No printing other than that permitted by 141.24,
141.25, and 141.26 is allowed on printed envelopes unless
approved by the Stamp Manufacturing Division.  The decision of the Stamp
Manufacturing Division, based on production requirements and the acceptability
of the requested printing, is final.  Requests for nonstandard printing are
considered on orders of one million or more identical envelopes and should be
sent to the general manager, Stamp Manufacturing Division, U.S. Postal Service
(for address, see Address List in Appendices).
141.28 Rejected Envelopes.
Personalized envelope orders may be rejected by the customer because of
defective manufacture, mistakes in printing, denomination, size, etc.  Postage
value only is refunded if it is the purchaser's mistake; full invoice value is
refunded if the Postal Service is at fault.

141.29 Refund or Replacement of Rejected Envelopes

141.291 Refunds

a. Purchase Error.
Postage value only may be refunded.  Such a refund may be made at a post
office or by returning the envelopes to the Stamped Envelope Unit.  Refunds at
post offices are processed under 147.24 and 147.32.
Rejected envelopes for which a refund has been made are disposed of in the
same manner as unused meter stamps as provided in 147.332a(4).

b. Postal Service Error.
Refunds for the total cost of the envelopes must be made by the Stamped
Envelope Unit.  The envelopes must be returned to the Stamped Envelope Unit
with an explanation of the error.

Note: Only customers whose names appear in the return address, or
their representatives, may submit rejected personalized envelopes for a refund.

141.292 Replacement

a.
When the error is the fault of the Postal Service, the customer may request
that the envelopes be replaced.  Return the envelopes to the Stamped Envelope
Unit with an explanation of the errors and sufficient information to provide a
corrected replacement order.

b.
When the error resulted from erroneous information provided on the original
order, the customer must remit the manufacturing fee for the replacement
order.  That fee is the difference between the full selling price of the
envelopes and the postage value.

c.
The customer must enclose a message with the returned order citing the
reason the envelopes are rejected and whether a replacement or refund is
desired.

141.293 Returning Envelopes.
Post offices should assist customers in returning rejected envelopes to the
Stamped Envelope Unit under the above conditions.  Provide the customer with a
penalty label for returning the envelopes.

141.3 Postal Cards Available






DenominationDescription


$0.19 Domestic regular or commemorative, cut single card
$0.19 Domestic regular, sheet of 40 (see note below)
$0.38 Domestic regular, double reply-paid card

$0.40 International airmail, cut single card


Note: qqPostal cards in sheets for use in printing must be cut
to regulation size, 3-1/2 by 5-1/2 inches, so that the stamp appears in the
upper right corner.  Cases of sheet postal cards may be broken for sale.  Each
sheet sells for $7.60.  Return addresses are not printed on postal cards by
the Postal Service.


141.4 Aerogrammes.
Aerogrammes, also known as air letter sheets, sell for face value at $0.45
each.  (See the International Mail Manual.)

141.5 Validity of Postal Stationery.
All stamped envelopes, postal cards, and aerogrammes issued by the United
States since 1873 are valid for postage from any point in the United States or
from any other place where U.S. domestic mail service operates under the
conditions for postage stamps in 142.3.

142 Adhesive Stamps

142.1 Availability and Use

142.11 Types.
See Exhibit 142.11.

Exhibit 142.11

]


PurposeFormDenomination



Regular PostageSingle or Sheet
(panes of 100)$0.01, .02, .03, .04, .05,
.06, .07, .08, .09, .10, .15,
.19, .20, .22, .23, .25, .28,
.29, .30, .35, .40, .45, .50,
.52, .65, .75

Panes of 20$1, $2, $2.90, $5, $9.95

10- or 20-Stamp
Booklets$0.19 ($3.80 booklets), $0.29
($2.90 or $5.80 booklets)

 Coils of 100$0.19, .25, .29 (Dispensers
and stamp affixers for use with
these coils also available.)

Coils of 500$0.01, .02, .03, .04, .05,
.10, .15, .19, .20, .23, .25,
.29, $1

Coils of 3,000$0.01, .02, .03, .04, .05,
.10, .15, .19, .20, .23, .25, .29

Coils of 10,000$0.29

Precanceled
PostageCoils of 500,
3,000, and 10,000Various denominations
available only to permit holders
(see 143).

CommemorativePanes of up to 50$0.29 or other denominations,
including airmail, as announced.

20-Stamp Booklets$0.29 ($5.80 booklets)

AirmailPanes of 50$0.40, .50 (For international
airmail use.)

Exhibit 142.11]



142.12 Use.
Affix stamps firmly in the upper right corner of the address side of the
mail cover.  Any stamp partly concealed by an overlapping stamp may not be
counted as postage.  Postal employees (other than rural carriers as prescribed
in 156.41) are not required to affix stamps to mail.

142.13 Perforating.
Postage stamps may be identified with a mark composed of perforation holes.
 The mark may not cover more than 1/4 square inch (1/2 inch by 1/2 inch) of
the stamp, and the diameter of the holes may not exceed 1/32 inch.

142.14  Reuse Prohibited.
Reuse of stamps with intent to cause loss to the Government or the Postal
Service is punishable by fine and imprisonment.

142.2 Purchase

142.21 Acceptable Form of Payment.
Foreign or mutilated money is not acceptable.  When the post office cannot
make change, the exact amount of the purchase must be paid.  Checks are
acceptable for all postal supplies and services, except money orders, provided
they conform to the Postal Service check-acceptance policy. A charge of at
least $10 is levied against a customer whose check is returned by the bank as
uncollectible.  Where state law permits a charge higher than $10, the
postmaster must charge the higher amount.  Written notice must be given to the
customer that the check was returned by the bank as uncollectible and that the
charge plus the amount of the returned check must be promptly remitted.  The
customer must use a money order or certified check if the amount due is sent
by mail.

142.22 Purchase Receipts.
If the customer wants a receipt for purchases and has prepared the receipt
in advance, the postal employee stamps it upon payment.  If the customer has
not prepared but wants a receipt for purchases, Form 1096 must be used for
postage and other services for which verification of payment is not already
provided.  The postal employee fills in the total amount of the purchase and
then stamps the form upon payment.

142.23 Postage Due.
Postage due must be paid in cash.  Postage-due stamps may not be used for
paying postage.

142.3 Validity of Stamps

142.31 Valid

142.311 General.
All postage stamps issued by the United States since 1860, except for those
listed in 142.32, are valid for postage from any point in the United
States or from any other place where the U.S. domestic mail service operates.

142.312 Airmail.
Airmail postage stamps may be used to pay regular postage and fees for
special services.

142.313 Unprecanceled Bulk Rate and Nonprofit Rate.
Unprecanceled bulk rate and nonprofit rate stamps may be used to pay
regular postage and fees for special services if the mailpiece is endorsed
above the address and below the postage to indicate the appropriate class of
the piece and, if applicable, the special service requested.  The total
postage affixed must at least equal the postage charge for the class of the
mail and, if applicable, the proper fee for the special service requested.

142.314 Nondenominated.
All nondenominated postage and make-up rate stamps, including official mail
stamps, are valid at the original rates of issue shown in Exhibit 142.314 (p.
1) *viewer dmm136.pcx*  and Exhibit 142.314 (p. 2). *viewer
dmm137.pcx*  Nondenominated postage may be used only for domestic mail.

Add Exhibit 142.314.
DMM136Exhibit 142.314 (p.1), Nondenominated
Postage Showing Values and Dates of Issue]

DMM137Exhibit 142.314 (p.2), Nondenominated
Postage Showing Values and Dates of Issue]



142.32 Not Valid

142.321 Type.
The following types of postage stamps are not valid for U.S. domestic or
U.S.-originated international mail:

a.
Postage-due, special delivery, special handling, and certified mail stamps.

b.
United Nations stamps, unless on mail deposited at the United Nations, New
York.

c.
Stamps of other countries.

142.322 Condition.
U.S. postage stamps are not valid if:

a.
Mutilated or defaced.

b.
Cut from stamped envelopes, aerogrammes, or postal cards.

c.
Covered or coated in such a manner that canceling or defacing marks cannot
be imprinted directly on the stamps.

d.
Overprinted with an unauthorized design, message, or other marking.

142.323 Nonpostage.
Nonpostage stamps (such as migratory-bird hunting and conservation stamps,
U.S. saving and thrift stamps) are not valid for payment of postage.

142.4 Unlawful Use of Stamps

142.41 By Postal Employees.
It is unlawful for postal employees entrusted with the sale or custody of
postage stamps to:

a.
Use stamps in payment of debts or purchase of salable items.

b.
Sell stamps except for cash.

c.
Sell stamps for more or less than face value.

142.42 Counterfeit Stamps.
Counterfeit stamps must be confiscated and sent to the postal inspector in
charge of the division in which the post office is located.  A receipt
identifying the stamps must be given to persons from whom counterfeit stamps
are confiscated.

142.5 Reproduction of Stamps

142.51
Postmasters may not give opinions to the public concerning the reproduction
of foreign or domestic postage stamps.

142.52
Persons desiring information concerning reproductions of domestic stamps
issued before January 1, 1978, or of any foreign stamps should address their
inquiries to the Office of the Director, U.S. Secret Service (for address, see
Address List in Appendices).

142.53
Persons desiring information concerning reproductions of domestic postage
stamps issued after January 1, 1978, should first review the general
reproduction permission provision set out in 166.  Further inquiries
should be addressed to the chairman, Intellectual Property Rights Board,
Office of Procurement, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see Address List in
Appendices).

142.6 Imitations of Stamps and Official Markings

142.61 Postage Stamps.
Matter bearing imitations of postage stamps, in adhesive or printed form,
or private seals or stickers which are like a postage stamp in form and
design, shall not be accepted for mailing.

142.62 Official Markings and Designs.
Matter bearing decorative markings and designs, in adhesive or printed
form, which imitate the markings and designs used to identify official postal
services shall not be accepted for mailing.  See Exhibit 142.62. *viewer
dmm160.pcx*

(NOT SHOWN):


]
DMM160Figure 142.62, Prohibited Imitations]



142.63 Permissible Seals and Stickers.
Seals or stickers which do not imitate postage stamps by having such
characteristics as words, numerals, or other markings which indicate a value
may be attached to other than the address side of mail.

143 Precanceled Stamps

143.1 General

143.11 Definition.
Precanceling means the cancellation of adhesive postage stamps, stamped
envelopes, or postal cards in advance of mailing.  Precanceling may be done
either by the Postal Service or by the mailer under a postal permit.  Since
postage-due stamps are not accepted as payment of postage in advance of
mailing, they are not precanceled.  Precanceled stamps are also sold for
philatelic purposes (see 143.3).  Precanceled commemorative stamps
are not made available because commemorative stamps are sold for only a
limited time.

143.12 Methods of Precanceling

143.121 Precanceling by the Mailer.
Mailers who meet the requirements of 143.2 may precancel adhesive
stamps, postal cards, and stamped envelopes by using a mailer's precancel
postmark. Postal cards are precanceled at the time of printing and do not
require a mailer's precancel postmark unless desired by the mailer.

143.122 Precanceling by Postal Service

a. All Post Offices.
All post offices are authorized to requisition precanceled stamps and
stamped envelopes in quantities as described in section 420 of Handbook F-1,
Post Office Accounting Procedures.

b. Local Precanceling.
Post offices which have precanceling devices, such as an electroplate or
hand stamps, may continue to use such equipment to precancel limited
quantities of stamps upon request by customers.  Requests for large quantities
of precanceled stamps are to be filled by requisitioning precanceled stamps,
rather than by performing a more costly local precanceling service.

143.13 Use of Precanceled Postage

143.131 Bulk and Discount-Rated Mail.
The use of precanceled postage is an optional postage payment method
available for use on mailings consisting of discount-rated First-Class Mail
and bulk third-class rated mailpieces.  See 382.6,
382.7, 661.4, and 661.5 for regulations governing
the preparation of ZIP+4 Barcoded rate mailings in which pieces paid by permit
imprint are combined with pieces bearing precanceled stamps and/or meter
stamps.

143.132 Single-Piece Rate Mail.
Precanceled stamps affixed on single-piece rated mail must be canceled or
postmarked at mail processing units in accordance with the Postal
Operations Manual, 423.

143.133 Prohibition.
Precanceled postage stamps may not be used on matter mailed in boxes,
cases, bags, or other containers designed to be reused for mailing purposes.

143.14 Mailing Permit Required

a.
Customers who desire to prepay mailings by using stamps and stamped
envelopes precanceled by the Postal Service must complete Form 3620 and file
the form at the post office where the precanceled mailings are to be deposited.

b.
The postmaster approves or disapproves the application.  If approved, the
postmaster issues the permit on Form 3620 to the applicant.  Each permit must
be dated and numbered consecutively beginning with No. 1 for the first permit
issued at the post office.

143.15 Place of Mailing.
Mail bearing precanceled postage must be presented to authorized postal
employees at weigh units, window units, or detached mail units of the post
office where the permit is held.  Deposit of mail bearing precanceled postage
in street collection boxes is not permitted.

143.16 Revocation of Mailer's Permit

143.161
Permits may be revoked if used in operating any scheme or enterprise of an
unlawful character, or for the purpose of purchasing or acquiring stamps or
mailer's precancel postmarks for other than mailing purposes, or for any
noncompliance with the format requirement or the instructions on the permit
(Form 3620).

143.162
The postmaster at the post office that issued the permit must notify the
permit holder by letter, stating that the permit is to be canceled and giving
the reason for cancellation.  The permit holder is allowed 10 days to file a
written statement showing why the permit should not be revoked.

143.163
When no answer is filed, the postmaster must cancel the permit.  If an
answer is filed, the postmaster forwards the answer, along with a statement of
the facts, to the MSC manager/postmaster, who determines whether the permit
should continue in effect.  Notice of decision must be given the permit holder
through the postmaster.

143.17 Precanceling Techniques.
The Postal Service uses three techniques to precancel stamps (see
143.171, 143.172, and 143.173).

143.171   Stamps Precanceled by Bars Only

a. Endorsement.
Stamps requisitioned with a precancel imprint must have one highly visible
line across their faces.  Except for stamps precanceled locally, the precancel
imprint no longer bears parallel lines and types showing the post office of
mailing or its two-letter state abbreviation (see 143.172).

b. Illustrations.
See Exhibit 143.171b. *viewer dmm163.pcx*

(NOT SHOWN):

]
DMM163Exhibit 143.171b]


143.172 Stamps Precanceled with City and State

a.
Endorsement stamps precanceled by post offices must have two highly visible
parallel lines across the face of each stamp.  The name of the post office of
mailing and its two-letter state abbreviation must appear between the two
parallel lines.  Permanent black ink must be used.

b. Illustration.
See Exhibit 143.172b. *viewer dmm164.pcx*

(NOT SHOWN):

]
DMM164Exhibit 143.172b]

143.173 Stamps Precanceled with Rate Designations

a. Endorsement.
Precanceled stamps can be requisitioned with the rate category preprinted
as the precancellation device (see 143.174).  Precancellation is
accomplished by the printed legend as opposed to the legend and parallel
horizontal lines as in the past.  These stamps are intended for use on matter
mailed as part of a qualifying mailing of the rate category shown on the
stamps.  Mailpieces bearing a rate category precancellation legend must
include the return address.  If the return address is not within the delivery
area of the post office of mailing, the mailer must place a cancellation
endorsement on the piece or submit information to the post office shown in the
return address as required by 143.177.

b. Illustration.
See Exhibit 143.173b. *viewer dmm165.pcx*

(NOT SHOWN)

]
DMM165Exhibit 143.173b]


143.174  Availability of Stamps Precanceled with Certain Rate Categories.
Stamps precanceled with rate categories are printed in various
denominations, corresponding with the first unit of postage for the particular
category.  Additional information on available denominations may be obtained
from the postmaster.

143.175  Other Uses of Stamps Precanceled with Rate Category.
Stamps precanceled with rate category (see 143.174) may be used
to pay single-piece rated postage on mail, provided the mail is endorsed to
show the proper class such as "First-Class Mail" or "Third-Class Mail."  The
endorsement must be placed immediately below the postage.

143.176  Overprinting.
If precanceled postage on a single piece is over $1, the precanceled stamps
must be overprinted or hand-stamped in black ink by the mailer with the
mailer's initials and the numerical abbreviations of the month and year for
use; for example, "A. B. Co. 9-78."  Precanceled stamps overprinted in this
way are acceptable on mail during the month shown, and through the 10th of the
following month.

143.177  Return Address.
In all instances, mailpieces bearing any precancel imprint must include a
complete domestic return address.  If the return address is not within the
delivery area of the post office of mailing, the mailer must (a) place a
cancellation endorsement to the left of the postage showing city, two-letter
state abbreviation, and ZIP Code of the post office where mailed; or (b)
submit, at the time of mailing, a duplicate of the mailing statement and a
sample mailpiece, both in an envelope stamped and addressed to the postmaster
at the post office shown in the return address; or (c) use a cancellation
endorsement which states "Mailed from ZIP Code," followed by the 5-digit ZIP
Code assigned to the postmaster at the office of mailing. See Exhibit 143.177.
*viewer dmm167.pcx*

]
DMM167Exhibit 143.177]


143.18  Requisitioning Stamps

143.181  Small Quantities Precanceled by Hand Stamp.
Small quantities of regular-issue stamps may be precanceled by hand stamp
designed to precancel 10 stamps at each impression.

143.182 Ordering Precanceled Adhesive Stamps and Stamped Envelopes.
Post offices must requisition precanceled adhesive stamps and stamped
envelopes in the same manner as other adhesive stamps and stamped envelopes.

143.2 Precancellation by Mailer

143.21 Authorization

143.211 Application.
A mailer must use Form 3620 to apply for authorization to preprint rate
markings on precanceled stamps (see 143.23) or to use a mailer's
precancel postmark on adhesive stamps, postcards, and stamped envelopes (see
143.22).  The mailer must submit Form 3620, accompanied by a
specimen mailpiece illustrating the method of preprinting or the proposed
precancel postmark, to the postmaster of the post office where mailings are to
be made.  (If more than one preprinted marking is to be prepared, or if more
than one format is to be used, a specimen showing each must be submitted.)
The Form 3620 must be endorsed "Preprinting of Rate Markings" or "Mailer's
Precancel Postmark," or both, as appropriate.  The postmaster must review the
application for completeness and accuracy and, if appropriate, forward it and
the specimen mailpiece to the MSC/division manager, mailing requirements, for
final review.

143.212 Approval or Denial

a. Authorizing Official.
After the MSC/division manager, mailing requirements, has reviewed the
application and specimen mailpiece and provided a recommendation, the
MSC/division manager/postmaster approves or denies the application.

b. Approval.
If the application is approved, the Form 3620 and the specimen mailpiece
are returned to the postmaster.  When received, the approved application must
be dated and assigned a unique permit number, using the next number in a
sequential series (beginning with 1) used exclusively for mailers' precancel
permits held at that post office.  A permit to use precanceled stamps or
envelopes is issued on Form 3620 and endorsed to indicate "Mailer's Precancel
Postmark."  Only one permit number is issued for all formats approved for the
same mailer.

c. Denial.
If the application is denied, the Form 3620 and the specimen mailpiece,
accompanied by a written explanation of the reasons for the denial, are
returned to the postmaster who provides written notice of the denial to the
mailer.  The denial may be appealed to the rates and classification center
serving the mailer's post office as provided by 133.

143.213 Amendment of Approved Precancellations.
Mailer precancellation under 143.22 or 143.23 is
authorized only for what was illustrated in the specimens accompanying the
application.  A new Form 3620 and specimen mailpiece must be submitted and
approved in advance for each new precancel postmark format or preprinted
marking to be used thereafter by the mailer.  A new permit number is not
assigned.

143.214 Revocation

a. Grounds.
Permits may be revoked if used in operating any scheme or enterprise of an
unlawful character, or for the purpose of purchasing or acquiring stamps for
other than mailing purposes, including resale, or for any noncompliance with
the format requirements or the instructions on Form 3620 for the precancel
permit.

b. Initial Determination.
The postmaster at the post office where the permit is held must provide
written notice of revocation of the permit to the permit holder.  That notice
must fully describe the reasons for revocation and advise the permit holder
that, within 10 days of the mailer's receipt of the notice, a written appeal
may be filed with the rates and classification center serving that post office
as provided by 133.

c. Final Action.
Revocation is effective, and the postmaster must cancel the permit, at the
end of the 10-day period if an appeal is not filed.  Revocation is otherwise
effective, and the permit must be canceled, upon the postmaster's receipt of
the final agency decision on an appeal that is filed and denied.

143.22 Preparation of the Mailer's Precancel Postmark

143.221 Content

a. Date.
The date of mailing is required if the precancel postmark is used on
First-Class Mail.  The month and year of mailing may be shown on third-class
mail.

b. Permit Number.
The precancel postmark must show the words "Mailer's Postmark" followed by
the permit number and have sufficient lines to fully deface (cancel) the
postage.

c. Place of Mailing.
The precancel postmark must show the city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code of
the post office where the precancel permit is held and the mailing is to be
deposited.  (As an alternative, the mailer may replace the city and state with
the words "Mailed from ZIP Code" followed by the 5-digit ZIP Code of the
office of mailing.)  If that post office is assigned more than one 5-digit ZIP
Code, the precancel postmark must show the 5-digit ZIP Code assigned to the
postmaster (see Publication 65, National Five-Digit ZIP Code and Post
Office Directory).

d. Rate Marking.
The precancel postmark may include the words or authorized abbreviations of
the rate marking required by 362 (for First-Class Mail) or
629.6 (for third-class mail), as applicable.  Alternatively, mailers
may preprint the rate marking as provided by 143.23.

143.222 Cancellation.
Black ink must be used for cancellation and must provide adequate
indelibility and sufficient contrast to prevent reuse of the stamps.  The
precancel permit number must not be obscured by the cancellation lines.

143.223 Required Formats.
Mailers must use one of the designs shown in Exhibit 143.223
*viewer dmm161.pcx*  as Format A, except that Format B may be used
by mailers previously authorized to do so and who presently have the necessary
die.  New authorizations must not be granted, nor new dies produced, for
Format B.  Either format may be amended to accommodate the rate marking
permitted by 143.222d.  Other formats and other modifications may
not be authorized for a mailer's precancel postmark.

NOT SHOWN

]
DMM161Exhibit 143.233, Formats for Mailer's
Precancel Postmarks]


143.23 Preprinted Rate Markings.
Mailers may preprint the rate markings required by 362 or
629.6, as applicable, on adhesive stamps to be used for mailings at
the corresponding rates upon specific approval as provided by
143.211.  The preprinted marking must be in uppercase letters of not
less than 6-point type, and printed in black indelible ink in a location on
the stamp where optimum contrast is possible.  A preprinted rate marking
applied by the mailer, whether used alone or with a precancel postmark, must
not obscure other printing on the stamp (e.g., the "USA," the denomination, or
other marking incorporated in the stamp as part of the Postal Service's
design).

143.3  Philatelic Sales

143.31 Nonpermit Holders.
Stamp collectors may buy precanceled postage for philatelic purposes, that
includes collecting and exchanging philatelic items.  However, collectors may
not mail matter bearing precanceled postage if they do not have a permit to
use precanceled postage at the post office where the mail is presented.

143.311
There is no limitation on the sale to collectors of sheet stamps or full
coils of stamps of each of the precanceled denominations available at a post
office.  Purchases may be made in person or by mail by nonpermit holders for
collection purposes only.  Complete rolls of precanceled coil stamps may not
be broken for philatelic sales except at authorized philatelic outlets.
Instructions for selling plate blocks are in 163.5.

143.312
Precanceled stamps are available at post offices which have them on hand or
have a hand stamp for precanceling purposes.  Post offices may not acquire a
precancel hand stamp solely to meet philatelic demand.  Precancellations may
be applied only to regular-issue stamps, not commemoratives, and only to those
denominations which see legitimate use by local mailers.  The creation of
philatelic oddities, or the precanceling of issues or denominations which
would not otherwise see legitimate mail use, is not permitted.  Hand stamps,
once acquired, may be retained by post offices to fill requests from
philatelists.

143.313
Postmasters must comply with requests for imprints of a precanceling device
on their own stamp stock, but not for imprints on blank sheets of paper or on
stamps submitted by a collector or other individual.  Care should be exercised
when precanceling stamps for collectors to ensure legible and well-centered
impressions.  Permanent ink must be used for precanceling.

143.314
Each mail order must be accompanied with a stamped, self-addressed envelope
for use in returning the stamps to the purchaser.

143.32 Permit Holders.
Collectors who have a permit to mail matter bearing precanceled postage at
the post office where their mail is presented may buy precanceled postage for
philatelic purposes or for the purpose of paying postage.
Precanceled stamps may be purchased for the purpose of paying postage or for
philatelic purposes.

144 Postage Meters and Meter Stamps

144.1 Postage Meters

144.11 Use of Meter Stamps

144.111
Postage may be paid by printing meter stamps with a postage meter on any
class of mail, except second-class.  Metered mail is entitled to all
privileges and subject to all conditions applying to the various classes of
mail.

144.112
Meter stamps may be used to prepay reply postage on (a) Express Mail; (b)
Priority Mail when the rate is the same for all zones; (c) First-Class
postcards, letters, and flats up to a maximum of 11 ounces; (d) single-piece
special fourth-class; and (e) library rate mail, under the following
conditions:

a.
The meter stamps must be in an amount sufficient to prepay the appropriate
postage in full, at the next higher whole cent postage amount, or at another
rate as provided by 380, 660, or 780.

b.
Meter stamps may be printed directly on the envelope, postcard, or flat or
on an address label which bears the delivery address of the meter license
holder.  Labels must be produced so that, once applied, they cannot be removed
in one piece.

c.
Postage on Priority Mail over 11 ounces, single-piece special fourth-class
rate or library-rate mail may only be paid with meter-stamped address labels.

d.
Any photographic, mechanical, or electronic process, or any combination of
such processes, other than handwriting, typewriting, or hand-stamping, may be
used to prepare the address side of reply mail prepaid by meter stamps. The
address side must be prepared as to both style and content in the following
form, without the addition of any matter other than a return address, except
facing identification marks (FIMs) or barcodes:

(NOT SHOWN):



(Meter stamp without
date to be placed here)
NO POSTAGE STAMP NECESSARY
POSTAGE HAS BEEN PREPAID BY

JOHN DOE COMPANY
123 TREMONT STREET
NEW YORK NY  10010-0001


e.
Reply mail prepaid by meter stamps is delivered only to the address of the
meter license holder.  If the address is altered, the mail must be held for
postage.

f.
The date must not be shown on meter postmarks used to prepay reply postage.

144.113
Postage meter stamps for zero postage must not be affixed to items
delivered by other carriers, since this would give the impression of Postal
Service delivery.

144.12 Description of Meters.
Postage meters are made to print single, several, or all denominations of
postage.  They contain in one sealed unit the printing die or dies and two
recording counters.  One adds and keeps a total of all postage printed by the
meter.  The other subtracts and shows the balance of postage remaining in the
meter, after the use of which it locks.  From time to time, mailers take the
meter to the post office to have this counter set for additional postage,
which is added to the balance remaining.  Payment must be made for each
additional setting.

144.13 Meter Manufacturers.
Postage meters may be leased from authorized manufacturers who are held
responsible by the Postal Service for the control, operation, maintenance, and
replacement, when necessary, of meters manufactured and distributed by them.
The following manufacturers are presently authorized to lease meters to
mailers:





Manufacturers Authorized to Lease Meters

POSTALIA INC
1423 CENTRE CIRCLE DRIVE
DOWNERS GROVE IL  60515-1087

FRIDEN ALCATEL
30955 HUNTWOOD
HAYWARD CA  94544-7005

PITNEY BOWES INC
WALTER H WHEELER JR DRIVE
STAMFORD CT  06926-0001

ROCKAWAY CORPORATION, doing business as:
INTERNATIONAL MAILING SYSTEMS
DIVISION OF BETTER PACKAGES INC
19 FOREST PARKWAY
SHELTON CT  06484-0903



144.14 Possession.
No one, other than the manufacturer, is authorized to have possession of a
postage meter without both a valid postage meter license and a rental
agreement with the meter manufacturer.  Anyone who fails to satisfy both
requirements must surrender the meter to the manufacturer upon request.

144.2 Meter License

144.21 Application

144.211 Procedures

a. Application Form.
A customer who wishes to use a postage meter must obtain a license to do so
by preparing and submitting Form 3601-A (or a comparable form supplied by the
meter manufacturer that contains the same information in the same format).  A
single application covers all meters to be licensed by the same post office.

b. Where to Apply.
The application for licensing must be submitted to the post office where
the customer is to deposit the metered mail.  Separate application must be
made to each post office by whom the mailer wishes to be licensed to use a
postage meter.  Metered mail may be deposited at post offices other than where
the mailer is licensed only as provided in 144.522,
144.523, and 144.8.

c. Fee.
There is no fee for this application and license.

d. Agreement.
By submitting an application, a customer agrees that the license is to be
immediately revoked, and the meter immediately removed from service by the
manufacturer, if the meter is used in operating any fraudulent scheme or
enterprise of an unlawful character.

144.212 Approval.
After approving an application, the licensing postmaster issues a license
and one Form 3602-A for each meter placed in service.  The customer must
present the Form 3602-A with the meter each time the meter is reset.
Additional copies of Form 3602-A are provided to the customer upon request.

144.213 Refusing to Issue a Meter License.
A postmaster may refuse to issue a meter license under any of the following
circumstances:

a.
The customer has submitted a falsified application for a license.

b.
Within 5 years immediately preceding submission of the application, the
customer violated a regulation relating to the care or use of a meter,
resulting in revocation of a meter license.

c.
There is substantial reason to believe that the meter is to be used in
violation of the regulations governing the use of postage meters.

144.214 Notification of Refusal to Issue.
When a postmaster refuses to issue a meter license pursuant to
144.212, the postmaster must notify the customer in writing, stating
the reason.

144.215 Appeal Procedures.
To appeal the refusal to issue a meter license, a customer must file a
written statement of objection within 10 days after notification.  The appeal
is sent to the field division manager, mailing requirements, for resolution.
The field division general manager/postmaster or the rates and classification
center (if the original decision was made at the division level) must notify
the customer of the decision through the postmaster.  The postmaster must note
the date of the decision on the appeal on the Form 3601-A.  Where the refusal
to issue a license is sustained, a copy of the decision must be retained for 1
year.

144.22 Responsibilities of Licensee

144.221
After a meter has been delivered to a licensee, he must keep it in his
custody until it is returned to the authorized manufacturer or to the post
office.  A customer may not have a meter in his possession unless it has been
checked into service by the Postal Service.  Avoiding the payment of postage
through tampering with or misusing a meter is punishable by law.

144.222
Although licensees are not required to maintain a Form 3602-A they are
encouraged to do so, since use of this form hastens the discovery of meter
malfunctions and helps protect the customer.  The customer must, however,
bring the Form 3602-A to the post office with the meter when it is reset.  If
at any time the sum of the two figures does not equal the total entered in the
Form 3602-A at the last setting, the meter should be taken immediately for
examination at the post office, station, or branch where it was set or last
examined.  The post office provides a Form 3602-A when the meter is initially
checked into service.  Additional copies are provided as necessary.  The
customer must present the Form 3602-A with the meter when it is reset.
Customers using CMRS meters and electronic meters should record the register
readings and control total on Form 3602-A each day the meter is used.

144.223
The meters in the custody of the licensee and his records relating to meter
transactions or latest Form 3603 must be immediately available for examination
and audit by the Postal Service or meter manufacturer, upon request (see
144.962).

144.224
If a meter is not reset within a 6-month period, it must be presented,
together with related Form 3602-A or latest Form 3603, for examination at the
post office, station, or branch where it is regularly set.  (For CMRS meters,
see 144.383 and 144.976.)

144.225
If the meter's printing or recording mechanism is in any way faulty, it
must be immediately taken to the post office, station, or branch where it is
regularly set or examined to be checked out of service.  The faulty meter must
not be used under any circumstances.

144.226
A licensee must notify the licensing post office whenever the name,
address, or telephone number on Form 3601-A changes.

144.227
Licensees who deposit mail under 144.8 at post offices other than
the licensing post office must comply with the additional preparation,
documentation, and other requirements in that section.  Failure to comply with
those requirements may be grounds for revocation of the meter license (see
144.23).

144.23 Revocation

144.231
A license is revoked if a meter is used in operating any scheme or
enterprise of an unlawful character, for nonuse during any consecutive 12
months, or for any failure of the licensee to comply with the regulations
governing the use of postage meters.

144.232
The postmaster must notify the meter license holder if the license is, or
is to be, revoked and must provide the reasons for revocation.  Form 3604 may
be used if revocation for nonuse is being considered.  See 144.215
for appeal procedures.

144.233
The postmaster must notify the licensee's meter manufacturer of the
revocation to permit prompt compliance with 144.952i by the
manufacturer.

144.3 Setting Meters

144.31 Requirements

144.311
A customer may not have any postage meter in his possession until it has
been set, sealed, and checked into service by the Postal Service.  The
manufacturer must bring the meter to the post office where it is to be
regularly set for setting and sealing prior to delivery to the customer,
unless it is serviced in accordance with 144.35.  A postage meter
should show a zero in the descending register before being checked into
service.  If the meter has not been adjusted to zero, the initial payment must
include the residual amount which the locked-out meter could not imprint.  For
example, a meter with $9.94 remaining in the descending register should read
$109.94 in the descending register; $109.94 in postage must be purchased since
the dollars and cents wheels cannot be changed.  There is no requirement to
record the ascending and descending registers before the initial setting.

144.312
Post offices must not set any meters not licensed at that post office,
except as specified in 144.34.  In the event a customer moves from
one post office to another, the meter must be checked out of service in
accordance with 144.36 and it, or other meters, must be licensed at
the new post office before the meters are reset or initial settings are made
in any new meters.  This does not apply to branches or stations within a post
office (see 144.345).

144.313
Post offices must retain, and promptly arrange for inspection or
examination by the manufacturer, any meter presented for setting or examination

a.
after it has been reported as lost or stolen, or

b.
after it or the meter holder has been reported by the manufacturer as not
locatable for purposes of its semiannual manufacturer's inspection, or

c.
if it has not been authorized for use under a meter license.

144.32 Place.
Meter settings, including checking meters in and out of service, must be
done only by designated employees in the post office, station, or branch where
the metered mail is to be deposited, except as provided in 144.35.
Postal employees are not sent out of the post office to set meters except
under the on-site meter-setting program as provided in 144.35.
Contract stations and branches are not authorized to set meters.  Meters under
the computerized remote postage meter resetting system may be checked into
service as provided in 144.381.

144.33 Payment

144.331
Payment must be made for postage when the meter is set.  Payment may be
made by cash, check, money order, or by a withdrawal from an advance deposit
account previously established with the post office for that purpose.  See
Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, 311, regarding the
acceptance of checks.  Advance deposit accounts may be established when the
monthly mailing of a license is $500 or more.  No activity in the account over
a 60-day period is grounds for the postmaster closing the account and
returning the funds to the mailer.

144.332
Receipts for payment to a post office advance deposit account must be made
on Form 3544.  The original is given to the customer, the duplicate sent to
the office maintaining the account book, and the triplicate retained by the
employee setting the meter.  Advance deposit account transactions must be
recorded on Form 25 kept on the individual account by the employee setting the
meter.  Daily totals of the money received for such funds must be listed on
Form 1412-A or Form 1412-B.

144.333
Receipts for individual meter settings must be made on Form 3603.

144.334
Refer to 144.35 for payment procedures under the on-site
meter-setting program.  Refer to 144.38 for payment procedures under
the computerized remote postage meter resetting program.

144.34 Examination and Setting

144.341 Examination

a.
When meters are brought in for reset or examination in accordance with
144.224, they must be examined to determine whether they operate
properly or have been tampered with (see 144.62).

b.
Meters not reset within a 6-month period must be examined, if practicable,
by an employee not assigned to setting postage meters, using the following
procedures (see 144.62):

(1)
Contact the customer by telephone or certified letter.  Tell the customer
that the meter must be reset by the Postal Service or examined each 6 months,
and it must be presented for resetting or examination within 15 days.  Contact
customers not responding within 15 days, preferably by personal contact.

(2)
If there is no response within the second 15-day period, the postmaster
must notify the licensee that the meter is to be removed from service and/or
the meter license is to be canceled and all meters used by the customer must
be removed from service.  The postmaster must instruct the manufacturer's
representative to remove the meters from service within 15 days.

c.
Meters must be examined to determine whether the seal, register windows,
breakoff screws, top cover, lock cover, or other visible parts have been
broken or tampered with, and whether the die hub or meter drum is locked in
home position.  If evidence of tampering or breakage is found, retain the
meter and promptly notify the postal inspector-in-charge.

d.
Serial numbers must be checked to see that they agree with those listed on
Form 3610 and that the total of the two registers equals the last entry in
column eight of Form 3610.  If the meter is not registering properly, it must
be checked out of service in accordance with 144.36.  Serial numbers
of meters must be checked against the lost or stolen meter book, where
available.

e.
When only an examination is made (but no reset), the date of the
examination must be listed in column one of Form 3610, the appropriate
register readings are to be listed in columns three and four, the word
"examined" entered in column five, the control total in column eight, and the
initials of the examining employee are to be entered in column nine.

144.342 Setting

a.
Prior to setting, meters must be examined in accordance with
144.341.

b.
Record descending and ascending register readings before reset and their
sum on Form 3603, prepared in triplicate.  Verify that the sum agrees with the
last entry in column eight of Form 3610 and column C of Form 3602-A.

c.
Set the meter in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

d.
When applicable (see 144.92d), seal the meter using official USPS
sealing pliers furnished by the manufacturer.  Ensure that the seal is
properly affixed and thoroughly compressed.  After sealing, the lead seal must
be checked to make sure it cannot move on the wire.

e.
Record descending and ascending register readings (after setting) on Form
3603 and complete the form.

f.
If payment is to be made by withdrawal from an advance deposit account,
record the transaction on Form 25 maintained for that account by the employee
setting the meter.

g.
Post information from Form 3603 to Form 3610, and complete the Form 3610
entry.  Record register readings and the control total on Form 3602-A, and
date and initial the entry.

h.
Give the original copy of the Form 3603 and the Form 3602-A to the customer
with the meter.  Copy 2 of Form 3603 must be sent to the holder of the account
book, and copy 3 must be kept in the receipt book by the meter setter.

i.
When a meter manufacturer's representative brings a meter to the post
office for withdrawal, or reports a meter lost, stolen, recovered, or found,
he must provide a copy of an appropriate form.  This must be forwarded to the
post office where the meter files are kept (see 144.37).

144.343 Transfer of Units.
When units are transferred from one meter to another, a note must be made
after the entries on Form 3610, as required by 144.342, indicating
the value of the units transferred and the serial number of the postage meter
from/to which the units were transferred.  When additional units are purchased
at the time of transfer, a receipt Form 3603 must be prepared for the
additional units purchased in accordance with 144.342.

144.344 Setting Meter for Use at Another Post Office.
The postmaster who serves the place where a mailer is located may set a
meter to be used in paying postage on mail presented at another post office
when it is a convenience to the mailer.  Before doing so, the following
requirements must be met:

a.
The postmaster must obtain confirmation from the management sectional
center facility where the post office of mailing is located that the post
office of mailing has adequate facilities for handling the mail.  This is
intended to improve coordination between the Postal Service and the mailer as
to which point of mailing can provide the best service by virtue of acceptance
and transportation facilities.  The postmaster must request this confirmation
by memorandum, describing the nature of the material to be mailed
(letter-size, flats, etc.), volume, classes, frequency of mailing, and the
desired place of mailing.

b.
The mailer must obtain a meter license from the post office where the
mailing is to be presented.  When the license is received, it must be
presented to the mailer's local post office with the meter for setting.  The
license is to be returned to the licensee.

c.
The postmark die must show the name of the post office of mailing.  A
separate meter must be used for each post office.

d.
Payment for each meter setting must be made by check or money order,
payable to the postmaster at the post office where mailings are to be made.
(See Handbook F-1, 311, regarding acceptance of checks.)  Checks must be
presented to the local post office when the meter is set.  Postal trust funds
must not be used to pay for setting such meters.

e.
The employee setting the postage meter completes Form 3618 in duplicate.
The original of this form with the check and a stamped, self-addressed
envelope (furnished by the mailer for return of Form 3603) is sent in a post
office penalty envelope to the postmaster where the mailings are to be made.
The duplicate is retained by the employee setting the meter. A record of each
setting must be entered on Form 3610 at the office where the mailings are made
and the completed Form 3603 is then sent to the mailer.

f.
Mail must be presented at a designated receiving point in the post office
by the mailer's representative.  It may not be consigned to the post office in
bulk by freight, express, or other carrier.  The postmaster may not act as the
mailer's representative, and the Postal Service has no responsibility for the
articles until they are actually accepted in the mail.

g.
Matter sent to other post offices for mailing must be shipped in private
containers.  Post offices must not furnish mail sacks for this purpose.  The
total weight of containers such as cartons and crates may not exceed 70 pounds.

h.
When the use of a meter is discontinued, the meter must be presented to the
post office where it was set for checking out of service.  Any postage
adjustment is made by the postmaster where the mailings have been made.

144.345 Changing Place of Setting Meter

a.
When the place of setting is changed to a different branch or station of
the same post office, Form 3610 must be retained by the office, branch, or
station which previously set the meter.  The readings on the registers and the
office, branch, or station where future settings are to be made must be
recorded on Form 3610 and a horizontal line drawn under this last entry.  Form
3610 must be retained for 3 years.

b.
A new Form 3610 must be prepared and sent to the office which is to make
future resets.  It must have one entry stating office, branch, or station
which previously did resets and the register readings when transferred.  When
appropriate, the second office can obtain this information by telephone and
prepare the new Form 3610.

144.346 Reporting Receipts.
In filling out Form 1412-A or Form 1412-B, stations, branches, and main
office window-unit personnel must list the total of payments received for
deposit in metered postage advance deposit accounts as advance deposit account
receipts.  The total of cash receipts for meter resets is reported on AIC 111,
Postage Meter Customer.  Duplicate copies of the corresponding Forms
3603 and Forms 3544 must be submitted with the Form 1412-A or Form 1412-B.
Advance deposit account transactions must be recorded on Form 3083, Trust
Accounts Receipts and Withdrawals,  and forwarded with the Form 1412-A or
Form 1412-B to the accounting unit (or person designated to keep the account
book) with copies of corresponding Forms 3603.

144.347 Meter-Setting Supplies.
The manufacturer furnishes the postmaster with instructions for setting
various types of meters and provides keys to the locks on the recording
mechanism, a stylus (used in setting meters), lead seals, and a sealing
device.  Protect these items to prevent their use by unauthorized persons.
Keep the instructions in the binder holding Forms 3610.  Requisition
additional copies of the manufacturer's setting instructions from the nearest
branch or headquarters office of the meter manufacturer. Requisition
additional supplies of lead seals from the headquarters office of the meter
manufacturer.  Requisition the following forms from your supply office when
the first application for a postage meter license is received at your office:



Form #Form Name
3083Trust Accounts Receipts and Withdrawals
3601-AApplication for a Postage Meter License
3602-ARecord of Meter Register Readings
3603Receipt for Postage Meter Settings
3604Nonuse of Mailing Permit or Meter License
3610Record of Postage Meter Settings
3616Report of Quarterly Verification of Metered Mail

3977Duplicate Key Inventory



144.348 Custody of Meter-Setting Keys.
Post offices must maintain accurate custody records of meter keys.  Keep
duplicate keys in envelope Form 3977 and safeguard them in accordance with the
instructions on the envelope.  Make a semiannual verification of the keys.
Initial the entry for each key, and date it as evidence of verification.
Investigate the loss of any key, report it to the meter manufacturer
immediately, and make a permanent record.  The record of the loss must include
the meter manufacturer's name, key serial number, the date, location, and
details of the loss.  Destroy the record if the key is recovered.  Send
outdated keys and emergency requests for meter-setting keys to the management
sectional center.

