



150 Collection and Delivery

151 Mail Receptacles

151.1 Designation as Authorized Depository.
Every letterbox or other receptacle intended or used for the receipt or
delivery of mail on any city delivery route, rural delivery route, highway
contract route, or other mail route is designated an authorized depository for
mail within the meaning of 18 USC 1702, 1705, 1708, and 1725, except that
doorslots and nonlockable bins or troughs used in connection with apartment
house mailboxes are not letterboxes within the meaning of 18 USC 1725 and are
not private mail receptacles within the meaning of 146.2.  The post
is not part of the receptacle.

151.2 Use for Mail Only.
Except as provided in 151.528, the receptacles described in
151.1 may be used only for matter that bears postage.  Therefore,
other than as permitted in 151.528, no part of a mail receptacle may
be used to deliver any matter not bearing postage.  This applies to items
or matter placed upon, supported by, attached to, hung from, or inserted into,
a mail receptacle. Any mailable matter not bearing postage and found as
described above is subject to the same postage as would be paid if it were
carried by mail. (See 146.2 for procedures to be followed.)

151.3 Maintaining a Clear Approach to Mailbox.
The customer is responsible for keeping the approach to his mailbox clear
to facilitate delivery.  Where the approach to the mail receptacle located at
the curb is temporarily blocked by a parked vehicle during normal delivery
hours for the area, or snow or ice hampers the approach to the mailbox, the
motorized city or rural carrier normally dismounts to make delivery.  If the
carrier continually experiences a problem in serving curbline boxes and where
the customer who is able to control onstreet parking in front of his mailbox
does not take prompt corrective action after being properly notified, the
postmaster may, with the approval of the sectional center manager, withdraw
delivery service.

151.4 Receptacles to be Purchased by the Postal Service.
Neighborhood delivery and collection box units (NDCBUs) and parcel lockers
to be purchased by the Postal Service must be procured locally in lots not
exceeding 100 units.  Amendments to the provisions of this section (see
151.4) may be made only after notice is published in the Federal
Register, with opportunity for public comment.

151.5 Curbside Mailboxes

151.51 Specifications for Manufacturers

151.511 Policy.
Manufacturers of all mailboxes designed and manufactured to be erected at
the edge of a roadway or curbside of a street and to be served by a carrier
from a vehicle on any city, rural, or highway contract route must obtain
approval of their products in accordance with U.S. Postal Service Standard 7
(USPS STD-7), Mailboxes, City and Rural Curbside.  Construction
standards and drawings (USPS-STD-7) for guidance in the manufacture of
curbside mailboxes may be obtained by writing to the Delivery Management
Division, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see Address List in
Appendices).

151.512 Dimensions and Styles

a.  Approved Sizes and Styles.
Three standard sizes and two styles of mailboxes are approved for use on
city, rural, and highway contract routes:




Traditional (T) and Contemporary (C) Mailbox Styles



SizeLength1Width1Height1


T1
and C119"6-1/2"8-1/2"
T2
and C221"8"10-1/2"
T3
and C323-1/2"11-1/2"13-1/2"


1 Dimensions given in approximate inches.


b. Variances.
Curbside mailboxes may be constructed in any size between the maximum and
minimum outside dimensions specified on approved drawings, provided that the
general shape and the proportions of height, width, and length are maintained.

151.513 Application for Approval.
To secure approval of a curbside mailbox, manufacturers must submit the
following to the Delivery Equipment Division, Engineering and Development
Center, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see Address List in
Appendices).  Manufacturers must also notify the Delivery Management
Division by letter that mailboxes are being submitted for approval.

a. Sample Mailboxes.
No fewer than two complete mailboxes with markings required in paragraph
3.7 of USPS-STD-7 of each style made of exact materials, construction,
coating, paint, etc., including the panels required by paragraph 3.14.8 of
USPS-STD-7, and otherwise identical in every way with the boxes intended to be
marketed.

b. Instructions.
A copy of the instructions required by paragraph 3.11 of USPS-STD-7.

c. Color Samples.
Color samples showing all color schemes to be used.

d. Proposed Packaging.
Boxes or packaging of the type proposed for shipping production units.

e. Documentation.
Two complete sets of manufacturing drawings and installation instructions,
showing that the units submitted meet the requirements of USPS-STD-7.  The
drawings must be dated, signed, and certified to represent the production
units exactly as submitted.  The drawings must include sufficient details to
allow the Postal Service to document and inspect all materials, construction
methods, processes, coatings, treatments, finishes, control specifications,
parts, and assemblies used in the construction of the units.  The Postal
Service may request individual piece parts to verify drawings.

151.514 Modifications During Application Process.
No changes may be made by the manufacturer to its products or drawings
without written notification of and approval from the Postal Service.  Any
changes must be submitted with an explanation of the reasons in writing and
also documented in the revision block of the affected drawings.  Two units of
each type with the changes incorporated must be submitted for testing and
approval.  All changes are subject to written approval by the Postal Service.

151.515 Application Approval

a.  Authorizing Organization.
The decision to approve or disapprove mailboxes is issued by the Office of
Delivery and Retail Management, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see Address
List in Appendices).  All correspondence and inquiries must be directed
to that office.

b.  Retention of Drawings and Sample Mailboxes.
The Postal Service returns one set of manufacturing drawings to the
manufacturer, together with written notification of approval or disapproval,
including reasons for disapproval.  The drawings are stamped and identified as
representing the production unit type if the mailbox is approved.  After
testing, the Postal Service (1) retains approved boxes and (2) disposes of
disapproved boxes unless the manufacturer requests their return and pays the
shipping costs.

151.516  Production Units

a. Construction.
Manufacturers must construct production units in accordance with identified
(stamped) drawings and USPS-STD-7.  These units must be of the exact
materials, construction, coating, workmanship, finish, etc., as the approved
units.  The Postal Service reserves the right at any time to examine and
retest production units obtained either in the general marketplace or from the
manufacturer, and may require the manufacturer to provide units for
examination and testing.  Failure of these production units to be manufactured
in strict accordance with the approved units, the identified drawings, and the
provisions of USPS-STD-7 may result in the rejection of units and the
suspension or revocation of the manufacturer's authorization as an approved
manufacturer through a decision issued by the Office of Delivery and Retail
Management.

b.  Packaging.
Mailboxes and accessories must be packaged in a manner to ensure arrival at
destination in satisfactory condition.  Boxes must be shipped fully assembled
except that the following parts may be removed if necessary to protect them
from damage: protruding portions, such as door latching hardware, mounting
adapters, and mounting posts or stands.  Containers and packaging must comply
with the National Motor Freight Classification Rule 222, sections 2 and 3.
Boxes must be suitably wrapped or protected and packaged in separate
containers to prevent damage to painted surfaces by rubbing against other
parts or the internal surfaces of the container.

c. Changes.
Manufacturers must receive written approval from the Postal Service before
making any change to the production unit or the identified design drawings.
Approval for changes requires resubmission of units for testing and updated
drawings for review.

151.517 Marking.
All curbside mailboxes must have the following legible inscriptions on the
carrier service door:  "U.S. MAIL" and "APPROVED BY THE POSTMASTER GENERAL."
Manufacturers must mark these inscriptions by embossing on sheet metal, using
raised lettering on plastic, or engraving on wood or other materials not
suitable for embossing.  The name and address of the manufacturer and the
month and year of manufacture must also be marked on the box.  Manufacturers
must either emboss this marking on the rear wall or affix a permanent decal on
the inside near the front opening of the box.

151.518 List of Approved Manufacturers.
Following is a list of manufacturers of traditional and contemporary style
curbside receptacles whose mailboxes have been approved by the Postal Service:




Approved Manufacturers
Type of Mailbox
]

Approved ManufacturersType of Mailbox


ADD ON'S BY FISCHER
PO BOX 746
HUNTLEY IL  60142-0746C1

ARMOR PLATE MAILBOX INC
PO BOX 1060
STERLING HEIGHTS MI 48311-1060C1

BACOVA GUILD LTD
BACOVA VA  24122-9999C1

MR JERRY BALLINGER
5119 WEST U AVENUE
SCHOOLCRAFT MI  49087-9769C1

BEACON PRODUCTS INC
6065A 17TH STREET EAST
BRADENTON FL  34203-5002T2, C1, C2, C3

CARMEL WOOD PRODUCTS
24723 UPPER TRAIL
CARMEL CA  93923-8343C1

CHICAGO HEIGHTS FURNACE SUPPLY CO INC
94-104 EAST 22ND STREET
CHICAGO HEIGHTS IL 60411-4263T1, T2, T3

DECOR HOUSE
PO BOX 1108
TEMPLE TX 76503-1108C1

EZ MAIL CORPORATION
62 CARROLL AVENUE
PO BOX 4038
BRIDGEPORT CT  06607-4038T1, C1

INNOVATIVE PLASTICS CORPORATION
400 ROUTE 303
ORANGEBURG NY  10962-1395T2

THE JANZER CORPORATION
98 LINCOLN AVENUE
LANGHORNE PA  19047-5238C1

LEIGH A HARROW COMPANY
411 64TH AVENUE
COOPERSVILLE MI 49404-1234C1

MACKLANBURG DUNCAN
PO BOX 25188
OKLAHOMA CITY OK 73125-0188T1, C1

NORTHWEST METAL PRODUCTS
DIVISION OF NOLL MANUFACTURING COMPANY
PO BOX 10
KENT WA 98035-0010T1

NORWELL MANUFACTURING COMPANY INC
82 STEVENS STREET
EAST TAUNTON MA  02718-1398C1

PARKER MAILBOXES COMPANY
9571 HOKE BRADY ROAD
RICHMOND VA 23231-9744C1

PONY EXPRESS MANUFACTURING
PO BOX 7916
NASHUA NH  03060-7916C1, C2, C3

SAFE T BOX CORPORATION
ROUTE 1 BOX 404
WASHINGTON WV  26181-9743C1

SHELLTER INC
PO BOX 30011
INDIANAPOLIS IN  46230-0011T1

STEEL CITY CORPORATION
PO BOX 1227
YOUNGSTOWN OH 44501-1227T1, T2, T3,
                                    C1, C2, C3

THE COUNTRY CORNER
PO BOX 18
ORCHARD PARK NY 14127-0018C1

THE SOLAR GROUP
SOUTHERN GEMINI
PO BOX 525
TAYLORSVILLE MS 39168-0525T1, T2, T3, C2

TIMELY INDUSTRIES INC
701 MONTROSE AVENUE
SOUTH PLAINFIELD NJ  07080-1887T1, T2, C2

TRAILSIDE MAILBOX INC
1993 STONEHENGE DRIVE
LAFAYETTE CO  80026-9115C1

TUCKEY METAL FABRICATORS
PO BOX 720
CARLISLE PA  17013-0720C1

VEEDERS MAILBOX INC
PO BOX 42048
CINCINNATI OH 45242-0048T1, T2

WOOD QUARTERS INC
7914 RIDGEWOOD DRIVE
JENISON MI 49428-7923C1



1--Curbside Box Size No. 1
2--Curbside Box Size No. 2
3--Curbside Box Size No. 3
T--Traditional Curbside Box Style
C--Contemporary Curbside Box Style


151.52 Installation and Use

151.521 Custom-Built Curbside Mailboxes.
Postmasters are authorized to approve curbside mailboxes constructed by
individuals who, for aesthetic or other reasons, do not wish to use an
approved manufactured box.  The custom-built box must conform generally to the
same requirements as approved manufactured boxes relative to the flag, size,
strength, and quality of construction.

151.522 Painting and Identification.
The Postal Service prefers that curbside mailboxes and posts or supports be
painted white, although other colors may be used if desired.  Where box
numbers are used, the numbers must be inscribed in contrasting color in neat
letters and numerals not less than 1 inch high on the side of the box visible
to the carrier's regular approach, or on the door if boxes are grouped.  Where
street names and house numbers have been assigned by local authorities, and
the postmaster has authorized use of a street name and house number as a
postal address, the house number must be shown on the box.  If the box is
located on a different street from the customer's residence, the street name
and house number must be inscribed on the box.  Placement of the owner's name
on the box is optional.  Advertising on boxes or supports is prohibited.

151.523 Posts and Supports.
Posts or other supports for curbside mailboxes must be neat and of adequate
strength and size.  They may not be designed to represent effigies or
caricatures that tend to disparage or ridicule any person.  The box may be
attached to a fixed or movable arm.

151.524 Location.
Curbside mailboxes must be placed so that they may be safely and
conveniently served by carriers without leaving their conveyances, and must be
located on the right-hand side of the road in the direction of travel of the
carriers in all cases where traffic conditions are such that it would be
dangerous for the carriers to drive to the left to reach the boxes, or where
their doing so would constitute a violation of traffic laws and regulations.
(For exception, see 156.312).  On new rural or highway contract
routes, all boxes must be located on the right side of the road in the
direction of travel by the carrier.  Boxes must be placed to conform to state
laws and highway regulations.  Carriers are subject to the same traffic laws
and regulations as are other motorists.  Customers must remove obstructions,
including vehicles, trash cans, and snow, which make delivery difficult.
Generally, customers should install boxes with the bottom of the box at a
vertical height of between 3-1/2 and 4 feet from the road surface.  However,
because of varying road and curb conditions and other factors, the Postal
Service recommends that customers contact the postmaster or carrier before
erecting or replacing their mailboxes and supports.

151.525 Grouping.
Boxes should be grouped wherever possible, especially at or near
crossroads, at service turnouts, or at other places where a considerable
number of boxes are presently located.

151.526 More Than One Family.
More than one family, but not more than five families, on rural or highway
contract routes, may use the same box, provided a written notice of agreement,
signed by the heads of the families, or by the individuals who desire to join
in the use of such box, is filed with the postmaster at the distributing
office.

151.527 Locks.
The use of locks on mailboxes on rural and highway contract routes is not
required.  If, however, a box is equipped with a lock, the box must have a
slot large enough to accommodate the customer's normal daily mail volume.  The
Postal Service does not open locked boxes and does not accept keys for this
purpose.

151.528 Unstamped Newspapers
Curbside mailboxes are to be used for mail only, except that publishers of
newspapers regularly mailed as second-class mail may, on Sundays and national
holidays only, place copies of the Sunday or holiday issues in the rural and
highway contract route boxes of subscribers, with the understanding that
copies are removed from the boxes before the next day on which mail deliveries
are scheduled.

151.529 Newspaper Receptacles.
A receptacle for the delivery of newspapers may be attached to the post of
a curbside mailbox used by the Postal Service, provided: no part of the
receptacle touches or is attached to or is supported by any part of the
mailbox, interferes with the delivery of mail, obstructs the view of the flag,
or presents a hazard to the carrier or his vehicle.  The receptacle must not
extend beyond the front of the box when the box door is closed.  No
advertising may be displayed on the outside of the receptacle, except the name
of the publication.


151.53 Nonconforming Mailboxes.
Carriers must report to the postmaster any mailboxes not conforming to
postal regulations.  The postmaster sends Form 4056 to the owners of these
boxes, requesting that they remedy the irregularities or defects.

152 Mail Deposit and Collection

152.1 Collection Times.
Mail is collected in residential and business sections served by city
carriers at times to connect with mail dispatches.  Mail is also collected in
business sections at frequent intervals to keep boxes from becoming overloaded
and to provide an even flow of mail to the post office.

152.2 Ordinary Deposit of Mail

152.21 Post Office Lobby.
Letterdrops are provided in lobbies of all post offices for the deposit of
mail.


152.22 Collection Boxes.
Collection boxes for the deposit of mail are placed at convenient points in
areas served by city carriers, at noncity-delivery offices in front of the
post office quarters, and in nonpersonnel rural units.

152.23 Rural Boxes.
Mail on which postage has been paid may be deposited for collection in
mailboxes on rural routes.

152.24 Vertical Improved Mail (VIM) Mailrooms.
Mail may be deposited in bundle mail drops where provided.  Otherwise, it
may be left with the carrier on duty when the VIM call window is open.

152.3 Deposit of Mail With Employees.
The following types of mail may be handed for dispatch to employees on duty
in mobile units or transfer offices and at airport mail facilities:

a.
First-Class Mail on which postage has been paid.

b.
Thirdor fourth-class mail, presented by representatives of manufacturers
or distributors of medicines or serums, when endorsed: "Emergency--This
package has been weighed and bears necessary postage.  Any additional postage
found to be due is guaranteed by sender."  Thirdand fourth-class mail, other
than that described, and mail to be sent registered, insured, or COD, is not
mailable with the employees identified above.

c.
Unless acceptance has been prearranged and previously authorized by the
postmaster, only parcels which may be opened for postal inspection in the
presence of the mailer to determine mailability of contents may be accepted at
airport mail facilities.

152.4 Mailchutes and Receiving Boxes

152.41 Use

152.411
Mailing chutes and receiving boxes may be placed, at the expense of the
owner, in public buildings, railroad stations, hotels, and business or office
buildings of not less than four stories, and apartment houses of not less than
40 residential apartments.  Buildings in which receiving boxes are located
must be open to the general public, without restrictions, during the hours
prescribed for mail collections.  If the owner of a building does not desire
to install a mailchute and receiving box, a receiving box only may be
installed, provided the postmaster has determined it is necessary and has
approved its installation.

152.412
Mailchutes and receiving boxes are intended for the deposit of First-Class
Mail and small quantities of single-piece-rate third-class. Bulk-rate mailings
of third-class mail may not be deposited in mailchutes and receiving boxes.

152.42 Installation, Specification, and Maintenance.
Requests for the installation of mailchutes and receiving boxes must be
approved by the postmaster, and he must be furnished the contract and
specifications for any proposed chute and box.  The specifications for
mailchutes and maintenance procedures are covered in Publication 16, Mail
Chutes, Receiving Boxes, and Auxilliary Collection Boxes:  Regulations and
Specifications.

152.5 Bulk Mailings.
Mailings under permit indicia or at bulk rates must be made at times and
places designated by the postmaster.  These mailings are generally limited to
ensure proper acceptance and verification.

152.6 Separation of Mail by Sender.
Customers having large mailings should separate them into packages labeled
"Local" and "Out of Town."  These labels may be obtained from the post office.

152.7 Recall of Mail

152.71 Who May Recall Mail.
Mail deposited in a collection box or post office may, with proper
identification, be recalled by the sender, by the parent or guardian of a
minor child, or by the guardian of a person of unsound mind who sent the mail.
 Form 1509, which may be obtained at any post office, must be submitted to the
postmaster at the office of mailing.  After processing, these applications and
all related papers must be filed at the office of mailing.

Exception: A Federal agency may recall any piece of mail which it sent
as official mail (see 137.2), by submitting to any post office a
Mailgram or an Express Mail letter identifying the specific piece of mail to
be recalled.  A postmaster at the office of address must comply promptly, if
possible, with any recall request from a Federal agency for its own mail.
This provision does not authorize any Federal agency to "recall" any mail
which it did not send.  This provision only excepts Federal agencies from the
requirement imposed by the preceding paragraph on other postal customers
filing recall orders to file them at the post office of mailing.  Any Federal
agency seeking to "recall" mail sent by another should be referred to the
Inspection Service in accordance with 115.7.

152.72 Expenses.
The mailer must pay all expenses of recalling mail, including the cost of
any necessary telegrams, and the regular rate of return postage (except for
First-Class Mail, which is returned without additional postage).

152.73 Original Postage.
If mail recalled before dispatch is again presented for mailing, the
original stamps are accepted for postage at face value.  This does not apply
to stamps in payment of registry, insurance, or COD fees.

152.74 Carriers.
Carriers or collectors must not return mail deposited in a letterbox from
which collection is made by a post office employee or which has come into his
custody in the performance of his official duties.

152.75 Registered Mail.
The customer must write or stamp "Withdrawn Before Dispatch" on his copy of
the registered mail receipt, sign it, and surrender it.  The customer's
surrendered receipt must be attached to the post office copy.  The same words
must also be written or stamped on the face of the article.

152.76 Telegram.
If the mail has been dispatched from the mailing office, the postmaster at
that office telegraphs a request to the postmaster at the office of address
for return of the mail.  The mail must be carefully described to identify it
and prevent the return of any other mail.  Dispatch particulars must be
furnished, if they assist in locating the mail.

152.77 Return.
Return recalled mail to the mailing postmaster, reenveloped or rewrapped
under penalty indicia.  The mailing postmaster must deliver it to the sender
on payment of the necessary fees and any postage due.  Registered mail must be
returned as official registered mail in a penalty envelope without charge for
the registry fee.  If the mail was delivered before the recall application or
the telegram was received, a report to that effect is sent to the mailing
postmaster, who informs the sender.  The addressee must not be advised that
mail has been recalled or that recall was requested.

152.8 Disposal of Mail on Request by Mailer

152.81 Requests

a.
Mailers who desire to withdraw mailings of 200 pieces or more, before
delivery, may request the Postal Service to intercept their mail and dispose
of it, rather than deliver the mail.

b.
A written and signed request must be submitted to the postmaster at the
office of mailing.  This request must contain an adequate description of the
mail for identification, including dimensions, colors, weight, identifying
markings, number of pieces, postage, and samples, if available.  The request
should also include the destination ZIP Codes of the mail and carrier routes,
if known.

c.
Customers may notify postmasters of destination post offices, in writing,
prior to the deposit of mail, that time-dated mail is to be received, and
request the postmaster to dispose of it if received after the scheduled date.
In addition to the information indicated in 152.81b, the customer
must include the scheduled delivery date after which the customer does not
want the mail delivered.

d.
The post office can only dispose of the mail if received after the
scheduled date.  The post office must then notify the customer of the disposal.

152.82 Additional Expenses.
All additional expenses incurred in disposal of the mail, including
long-distance telephone calls, must be paid by the mailer.

152.83 Postage.
Disposal of mail on request by the mailer creates no obligation of the
Postal Service to refund postage.  (See 147.21 for conditions that
justify postage refunds.)

152.84 Disposal Action

a.
Proper requests for disposal of mail must be acted on, if they are received
at the destination post office delivery unit before the mail is processed by
the carriers.

b.
Every practical effort is made to accommodate a request for disposal of
mail.  However, the Postal Service does not guarantee that a mailing can be
completely gathered during processing, thereby stopping delivery of all pieces
in the mailing.

c.
The postmaster or designated supervisor must verify mail matter to be
disposed of and ensure that only mail described in the mailer's request is
destroyed.

153 Conditions of Delivery

153.1 Delivery, Refusal, and Return

153.11 Conditions.
The following conditions govern delivery, refusal, and return:

a. Delivery to Addressee.
The addressee may control delivery of his mail.  In the absence of a
contrary order, the mail is delivered as addressed.  Mail addressed to several
persons may be delivered to any one of them.

b. Mail Refused When Offered for Delivery.
The addressee may refuse to accept a piece of mail at the time it is
offered for delivery.

c. Mail Refused after Delivery.
After delivery, an addressee may mark a piece of mail "Refused" and return
it within a reasonable time, if the mail or any attachment is not opened,
except the following:

(1)
Pieces sent as registered, insured, certified, COD, and return receipt for
merchandise mail may not be refused and returned postage-free after delivery
has been effected.

(2)
Mail sent to an addressee in response to the addressee's sales promotion,
solicitation, announcement, or other advertisement, and which has not been
refused when offered to the addressee, may not be refused and returned
postage-free after delivery has been effected.

Note: Mail which may not be refused and returned unopened under this
provision may be returned to the sender only if enclosed in a new envelope or
wrapper with a correct address and new postage.

d. Mail Withheld from Delivery.
An addressee may request his postmaster, in writing, to withhold from
delivery for a period not exceeding 2 years any foreign letter or printed
matter bearing a specified name or address appearing on the outside.  Such
mail is marked "Refused" by the post office and treated as undeliverable.

e. Mail of Unknown Addressee.
Where a person claiming to be the addressee of certain mail is unknown to
the postmaster, the mail may be withheld, pending identification of the
claimant.

f. Refused Mail as Undeliverable.
Matter refused by the addressee in accordance with 153.11b and
153.11c is treated as undeliverable (see 159).

g. Remailing of Matter Returned to Sender.
The mailer must not remail undelivered or refused mail returned to him
unless it is enclosed in a new envelope or wrapper with a correct address and
new postage.  Returned shortpaid mail does not have to be placed in a new
envelope (see 146.14).  The necessary additional postage can be
affixed to the original mailpiece.

h. Mail Bearing Exceptional Address Format.
Mail with an exceptional form of address (see 122.43) is always
delivered as addressed and may not be forwarded.  Only if the address is
incorrect or incomplete, or if the mail cannot be delivered for another
reason, is it treated as undeliverable (see 159).  First-Class Mail
that is undeliverable as addressed is returned to the sender.

153.12 Delivery to Persons Having Similar Names.
Unless persons with similar names adopt some means to distinguish their
mail, a postmaster must use judgment in making delivery.

153.13 Mail Delivered to Wrong Person.
A person receiving mail not intended for him should promptly return it to
the post office, endorsed "Opened by Mistake" with his signature, if the
letter has been opened; otherwise, it should be endorsed "Not for..., Not at
this address," etc.

153.14 Checks Issued by the Federal Government

153.141
Federal Government checks are delivered to the addressees, to persons who
customarily receive their mail, or to other persons authorized in writing to
receive their mail.  Delivery must not be made to an attorney, claim agent, or
broker, even though the addressee requests such delivery, unless the check is
specifically addressed in care of the attorney, claim agent, or broker.

153.142
If convenient, the addressee may be alerted by ringing the bell or knocking
on the door.  The carrier is not required to await a response.

153.143
Delivery is withheld and the check returned to the sender immediately, if
it is known that the addressee

a.
is deceased or both parties of a jointly addressed check are deceased,

b.
has moved without filing a change of address, even though the new address
may be known,

c.
has reenlisted in the military or naval service,

d.
is under guardianship, or

e.
is a widow who has remarried and the check is not addressed to her in her
new name.

153.144
Treasury checks enclosed in envelopes that do not indicate a date of
delivery are delivered on the first scheduled delivery after receipt.

153.145
Treasury checks enclosed in envelopes that indicate a date of delivery are
delivered on that date or the first scheduled delivery after that date.  In
emergency or other infrequent situations, customers receiving delivery service
may request predelivery of their mail at the office of delivery, providing
withdrawal of the mail does not interfere with carriers' delivery schedules.

153.15 Checks Issued by State and Local Governments.
State and local government checks are handled in accordance with
instructions printed on the envelopes.  Certain checks have instructions not
to transfer or forward.  If undeliverable as addressed, such checks must be
returned to the sender immediately.

153.16 Mail Marked "In Care Of" Another.
Mail marked "In Care Of" another is delivered to the first of the two
persons named who may call for it, or to the address of the person in whose
care it is directed, in the absence of instructions from the addressee.

153.17 Restricted Delivery.
Registered, certified, numbered insured, and COD mail that the sender has
restricted in delivery to the addressee only may not be delivered to any other
person, except as provided in 933.

153.18 Mail Marked "Personal."
Mail bearing the word "Personal" is delivered in the same way as other mail
for the addressee.

153.19 Holding Mail at Request of Addressee

153.191 Ordinary Mail.
Ordinary mail, except First-Class Mail bearing return address of sender
specifying a retention period, is retained at the office of address at the
request of the addressee up to 30 days.  Under unusual conditions, mail may be
held for a longer period if the postmaster considers it practical.  Customers
may authorize the holding of their mail by signing Form 8076.

153.192 Express Mail.
Express Mail shipments are retained at the office of address at the written
request of the addressee for a specified day or days; i.e., Saturdays,
Sundays, or holidays (see 224.222d).

153.2 Delivery of Addressee's Mail to Another

153.21 Delivery to Addressee's Agent

153.211
Unless otherwise directed, an addressee's mail may be delivered to his
employee, to a competent member of the addressee's family, or to any person
authorized to represent the addressee.  A person or a number of persons may
designate another to receive their mail.  Designation of another person to
receive mail should be in writing, but no special form is furnished or
required.

153.212
An addressee may request delivery to a commercial mail receiving agency
(CMRA), which holds the mail or forwards it to the addressee.  Each such CMRA
must be registered with the post office responsible for delivery to the CMRA.
Any person who establishes or takes over the operation or management of a CMRA
must provide written notice to the postmaster responsible for the delivery
address.

153.213
When mail is to be delivered to a CMRA, Form 1583 must be signed by both
the commercial agent and the addressee.  The commercial agent or a notary
public must witness the signature of the addressee.  The addressee is required
to furnish two items of identification, the particulars of which must be
included on Form 1583.  The original of the completed Form 1583 must be filed
with the postmaster, and a duplicate copy of the completed Form 1583 must be
kept on file by the CMRA in such a manner that it is at all times available
for examination by postal representatives.  The original copy must be filed
alphabetically by name of applicant for each CMRA at the station, branch, or
post office.  The original of Form 1583 is filed without verifying the address
shown thereon and without obtaining statements from references given, unless
the postmaster is specifically requested to do so by the inspector-in-charge
or when there is reason to believe the mail will be or is being used for
unlawful purposes.  In consideration of delivery of the mail to the CMRA, the
addressee and the agent are considered to agree that

a.
no change-of-address order is filed with the post office when the agency
relationship is terminated, and the duplicate copy of Form 1583 is returned by
the CMRA to the post office endorsed with the termination date so that post
office records are kept current;

b.
the forwarding of mail intended for the addressee is the responsibility of
the CMRA;

c.
when remailed by the CMRA, the mail is subject to payment of new postage
since delivery is deemed to have been made when the mail was delivered to the
CMRA; and

d.
the CMRA must provide by June 1 an annual updated list of its clients shown
in alphabetical order with cross references to CMRA addressee delivery
designations.

153.214
To ensure that proper procedures are being followed by a CMRA, the
postmaster

a.
may periodically monitor mail going to the CMRA to ensure delivery has been
authorized through Form 1583;

b.
may, with the next higher level approval and notification to the
inspector-in-charge, suspend delivery to a CMRA who, after proper
notification, fails to comply with 153.212 and 153.213;

c.
may provide for an annual review at the CMRA to ensure compliance;

d.
may provide for periodic visits to the CMRA by account representatives;

e.
obtains annually from the CMRA a list of all clients which is used to
update the files maintained at the post office;

f.
maintains expired Forms 1583 for 2 years from the date of expiration; and

g.
provides annually by June 1 a current list of CMRAs to the
inspector-in-charge.

153.215
Each post office must maintain an ample supply of Forms 1583 to be provided
to CMRAs upon request.

153.22 Mail Addressed to Minors.
A minor's guardian may control delivery of mail addressed to the minor. If
there is no guardian, and the minor is unmarried, then either parent may
receive delivery of the minor's mail.

153.23 Mail Addressed to Incompetents.
Where a person has been legally declared incompetent, his mail may be
delivered under the order of his guardian or conservator.  Where there is no
legal representative, the mail is delivered as addressed.


153.24 Mail Addressed to Deceased Persons

153.241 Delivery.
Mail addressed to a deceased person should be delivered as addressed. The
mail may be received at the address of the deceased by anyone who would
normally receive the addressee's mail at that address.  If, after 10 days,
there is evidence that the mail is not being picked up, it should be treated
as undeliverable in accordance with Exhibit 159.14.

153.242 Mail Which Can Be Forwarded.
Mail described in 153.241 may be forwarded to a different address,
including that of an appointed executor or administrator, if an order of
request is filed at the post office.

153.243 Mail Which Must be Returned.
Federal Government checks addressed to a deceased person should be returned
to the mailing Federal agency without attempting delivery.  Other mail
endorsed "Return to Sender if Addressee is Deceased" should be returned also
without attempting delivery.

153.3 Jointly Addressed Mail

153.31 Delivery of Jointly Addressed Mail.
Where mail is jointly addressed, for example, "Mr. and Mrs. John Doe" or
"John and Jane Doe," neither party is entitled to control delivery of such
mail over the objection of the other.  Jointly addressed mail is delivered as
addressed by the sender, as long as one of the addressees can receive it there.

153.32 Delivery of Mail Addressed to Husbands or Wives.
Neither party may control delivery of mail addressed to the other.  In the
absence of specific delivery instructions, the mail must be delivered as
addressed by the sender.

153.4 Delivery to Officials or Employees of Organizations

153.41
Mail directed to officials or employees of a government or private
organization at the address of the organization is delivered to the
organization when such mail is claimed both by an officer or employee and by
the organization.  This also applies to mail addressed in this manner to
former officials or employees.

153.42
Mail addressed elsewhere to a public or private official by title or to the
organization, even though marked to the attention of a particular person or
title, is delivered to the organization, if it so directs.

153.5 Delivery to Officials or Employees of Corporations and
Unincorporated Firms

153.51
Mail addressed to corporations is delivered as addressed or to an
authorized agent.  Where disagreement arises among corporate officers and
others connected with the company, the mail is delivered in accordance with
the order of the president of the corporation.


153.52
Mail addressed to unincorporated firms or partnerships is delivered as
addressed, as long as the business is being conducted under the same name at
the same address, despite some members of the firm breaking off relations.

153.6 Delivery to Persons at Hotels, Institutions, Schools, etc.

153.61 Mail Addressed to Patients or Inmates.
Mail addressed to patients or inmates at institutions is delivered to the
institution authorities who, in turn, deliver the mail to the addressee under
the institution's rules and regulations.  If the addressee is no longer at
that address, the mail must be redirected to his current address.  If the
forwarding address is unknown, the mail is returned to the post office.

153.62 Mail Addressed to Persons at Hotels, Schools, etc.
Mail addressed to persons at hotels, schools, and similar places is
delivered to the hotel or school.  If the addressee is no longer at that
address, the mail is redirected to his current address.  If the forwarding
address is unknown, the mail is returned to the post office.  For mail
addressed to prisoners, see 115.97.

153.63 Registered Mail Addressed to Persons at Hotels and Apartment Houses.
Registered mail addressed to persons at hotels and apartment houses is
delivered to the persons designated by the management of the hotel or
apartment house in a written agreement with the Postal Service.  Form 3801-A
must be executed for this purpose.  If delivery of the registered mail has
been restricted by the sender, it may not be delivered to the representative
of the hotel or apartment house, unless the addressee has authorized that
person in writing to receive his restricted-delivery mail. The authorization
may be made on Form 3849, Form 3801, or by a letter to the postmaster.

153.7 Conflicting Orders by Two or More Parties for Delivery of Same Mail

153.71 Delivery to Receiver.
Where persons make conflicting orders for delivery of the same mail, and
they are unable to agree among themselves which party should receive the mail,
the mail may be delivered to a named receiver or third party unanimously
agreed to by the disputing parties.

153.72 Reference to Chief Field Counsel or Judicial Officer Department.
Where the disputing parties are unable to select a receiver, they must
furnish the postmaster all available evidence on which they rely to exercise
control over the disputed mail.  If after receipt of such evidence the
postmaster is still in doubt as to who should receive the mail, the postmaster
submits the case to the chief field counsel for informal resolution.  If after
5 workdays, or such additional time as may be agreed to by all parties, no
informal resolution is achieved and no order has been made by chief field
counsel to return the mail to sender, the chief field counsel must forward the
case file to the Judicial Officer Department for decision in accordance with
the rules of procedure of that department.  If a dispute is referred to the
Judicial Officer Department, the postmaster must hold the disputed mail until
such time as notice of final disposition is received from the Judicial Officer.


153.73 Delivery of Mail in Accordance With Court Order.
When the same mail is claimed by different persons, and a court decides to
whom delivery should be made, the mail is delivered in accordance with the
court order.

153.8 Delivery of Parcels

153.81 Heavy or Bulky Parcels.
A heavy or bulky parcel of any class is delivered as addressed, if
facilities are available.

153.82 Unprotected Places.
An uninsured parcel must not be left in an unprotected place such as a
porch or stairway, unless the addressee has filed a written order or the
mailer has endorsed the parcel "Carrier -- Leave If No Response."  The
endorsement must appear in the upper left corner of the address side of the
piece or the upper left corner of the addressing area of the piece, directly
below the return address.  The endorsement and return address must be printed
in the same reading direction as the delivery address, with a clear space of
at least 1/4 inch above and below the endorsement.  The lettering of the
endorsement must be in bold print and as large as, or larger than, the
lettering of the addressee's name and address but never smaller than 8-point
type.  The lettering of the endorsement must also stand out clearly against
its background.

153.83 Multiple-Floor Buildings.
Parcel post, registered, insured, certified, and special-delivery articles
are delivered to the addressee or his authorized agent in person, without
regard to the floor on which his office or apartment is located.  Cooperation
of customers is requested, however, in making arrangements for mail to be
delivered on the first floor.

153.84 Second-Attempt Delivery.
If an ordinary parcel cannot be delivered on the carrier's first attempt, a
notice must be left at the address indicating that the parcel is being held
awaiting call.  If the parcel is not called for, a second notice is sent after
5 days.  If there is no response within 5 days after the second notice and no
retention period is specified by the sender, the parcel is treated as
undeliverable.  When a retention period is specified, it is observed up to 30
days after the first notice.  A second attempt to deliver is made only if
requested by the addressee.

153.9 Delivery to Military Organizations and Naval Vessels

153.91 Units Not Operating Military Post Offices.
Mail addressed to the Commanding General, Commander, Commanding Officer,
staff sections and other officials by title, and personnel of military
organizations is delivered to unit mailclerks or mail orderlies when such
individuals have been designated on DD Form 285 to receipt for all mail
addressed to the unit for which he is designated.  If the unit mailclerk or
mail orderly has been designated on DD Form 285 to receipt for ordinary mail
only, then registered, numbered insured, certified, and restricted-delivery
mail addressed to individuals by name may be delivered to the unit mailclerk
or mail orderly only if authorized by the addressee in a letter to the post
office, on Form 3849 or Form 3801.

153.92 Units Operating Military Post Offices.
All mail addressed to military organizations that operate military post
offices is delivered to the military postal clerk or an assistant postal clerk
or to a postal finance clerk for the organization. Additionally, mail for
other military organizations may be delivered to military postal clerks or
postal finance clerks for further delivery, when requested.

153.93 Identification.
Unit mailclerks, mail orderlies, postal clerks, and assistant postal clerks
must provide proper identification to obtain mail.  DD Form 285, properly
completed showing classes of mail that the bearer is authorized to receive,
with the military identification card, or Government-issued identification
bearing the individual's picture in the case of a civilian employee, is
required.

153.94 Return Receipts.
Return receipts for registered, numbered insured, and certified mail must
not be completed by anyone other than the addressee.

154 Plant Load Operations

154.1 Definitions

154.11 Plant Loading.
Plant loading is an operation in which the Postal Service receives mail at
a mailer's plant and transports it in order to bypass handling that otherwise
would be required at one or more postal facilities.  Plant loads are
authorized when they result in a benefit to the Postal Service (see
154.3).

154.12 Mailer's Plant and Mailings

154.121 Mailer's Plant.
The mailer's plant is the non-Postal Service location where the mail is
plant-loaded.

154.122 Plant Load Mailings.
Plant-loaded mailings consist of mail from one mailer or the combined
mailings of two or more mailers, loaded into one or more vehicles, which has
been accepted by the Postal Service at the mailers' plants when (a) if
required for each mailing, a single mailing statement is prepared and
submitted by the mailers; or (b) appropriate postage is affixed to each item;
or (c) an alternative method of paying postage using a permit imprint (i.e.,
itemized postage) is used, and a single mailing statement and a manifest
covering the mailing are prepared and submitted by the mailer.

154.123 Mixed Classes of Mail.
A mailer may combine in a single vehicle second-, third-, and fourth-class
mail, provided (a) the mailings are physically separated, (b) a mailing
statement is submitted for each mailing, and (c) the service standards are met
for each class of mail combined in the vehicle or trailer.

154.13 Service Area

154.131 First-Class Mail.
The service area for plant-loaded First-Class Mail is the service area of
the sectional center facility (SCF) in which the mailer's plant is located.

154.132 Second-Class Mail.
The service area for plant-loaded second-class mail is the appropriate
service area of the SCF, state distribution center (SDC), or transfer hub in
which the mailer's plant is located.

154.133 Thirdand Fourth-Class Mail.
The service area for plant-loaded thirdand fourth-class mail is the
service area of the bulk mail center (BMC) or auxiliary service facility (ASF)
in which the mailer's plant is located.

154.134 Intraservice Area Plant Loads.
Intraservice area plant loads are vehicle movements of mail from the
mailer's plant to a mail-processing facility located within the service area
of the mail-processing facility serving the mailer's plant.  Handling at the
local origin post office or other local acceptance facility is bypassed.

154.135 Interservice Area Plant Loads.
Interservice area plant loads are vehicle movements of mail from the
mailer's plant to a mail-processing facility located outside the service area
of the mail-processing facility serving the mailer's plant.  Handling at the
local origin post office or other local acceptance facility and one or more
intermediate processing facilities is bypassed.

154.14 Transportation Equipment

154.141 Vehicle.
A vehicle is a trailer, straight truck, or other container used to
transport mail by highway, railroad, or water.

154.142 Highway Transportation Vehicle.
A highway transportation vehicle is a vehicle owned or leased for any term
by the Postal Service or provided by a Postal Service highway transportation
contractor for the transportation of mail exclusively over highways.

154.143 Rail Transportation Vehicle.
A rail transportation vehicle is a vehicle provided by a Postal Service
rail transportation contractor for the transportation of mail in whole or in
part by rail.

154.15 Other Operations

154.151 Bobtailing.
Bobtailing is the movement of a tractor without a trailer to or from a
mailer's plant.

154.152 Deadheading.
Deadheading is the movement of a tractor and trailer or other container or
straight truck to or from a mailer's plant without transporting any mail.

154.153 Waiting/Holding.
Waiting/holding occurs when a vehicle waits or is held at a mailer's plant
for mail to be loaded into the vehicle.

154.16 Collection.
Collection of mail is an operation in which the Postal Service transports
mail from a mailer's plant or an authorized location other than a postal
facility to the local post office or other designated local acceptance point.
Collection of mail does not include any mail which both bypasses a handling
and requires a mailing statement, except as set forth in 372.2.
Plant-load regulations in 154 do not apply to the collection of mail
as described in 154.16.


154.17  Expedited Plant Load Shipment.
Under an expedited plant load shipment authorization, the Postal Service
verifies the mail for presort and postage at the mailer's plant, and postage
is paid at the post office where the mailer is authorized plant load.  The
mailer then transports the expedited plant load shipment at the mailer's
expense to destination postal facilities where the shipment is deposited and
accepted into the mailstream.  Only plant load mailers who have been
authorized to do so may transport expedited plant load shipments at their own
expense under the conditions specified in 154.732 through
154.737.

154.2 Procedures for Authorization of Plant Loads

154.21 Filing Application.
A mailer desiring to have mail plant loaded must complete Form 3815 and
submit it to the postmaster of the post office serving the mailer's plant.
The local postmaster reviews the application for completeness and forwards it
to the management sectional center (MSC).

154.22 Action by MSC Manager.
The MSC manager/postmaster approves an application if

a.
it meets the requirements set forth in 154.313a or
154.323a (Alternative 1, Minimum Volume and Maximum Mileage) and

b.
after coordination with the transportation management service center (TMSC)
manager, it is determined that transportation equipment is available in
accordance with 154.312.  If the application is approved, the MSC
manager sends a copy to the field division general manager/postmaster and TMSC
manager as necessary.  If the requirements set forth in 154.313a or
154.323a are not met, the MSC manager must send the application to
the field division general manager for review in accordance with
154.23.

154.23 Action by Field Division General Manager/Postmaster

154.231 Intradivision Service Area.
The field division general manager approves an application for an
intradivision service area plant load if

a.
it meets the requirements set forth in 154.313b (Alternative 2,
Cost-Savings Analysis) or 154.313c (Alternative 3, Mail-Processing
Capacity) and

b.
after coordination with the TMSC manager, it is determined that
transportation equipment is available in accordance with 154.312.
The application is denied if the requirements of 154.313b or
154.313c are not met.

154.232 Interdivision Service Area.
The origin field division general manager/postmaster and the serving TMSC
approve an application for an interdivision service area plant load if it
meets the requirements set forth in 154.323b (Alternative 2,
Cost-Savings Analysis) or 154.323c (Alternative 3, Mail-Processing
Capacity).  The authorizing managers must notify the destination field
division general manager/postmaster and TMSC manager of the approval in
writing.  The application is denied if the requirements of 154.323b
or 154.323c are not met.


154.24 Notification of Action to Mailer.
Each official acting upon an application must act upon it within 5 business
days of receipt.  The MSC manager must promptly notify the mailer in writing
of the action taken.  If the application is denied, the MSC manager must
notify the mailer, specifying the reasons for the denial and informing the
mailer of his right to appeal the denial.

154.25 Commencement of Operations.
The application is approved if it meets all the requirements in
154.3 for either intraor interservice area plant loads, as
appropriate.  If the application is approved and the mailer desires plant-load
operations, the mailer must enter into a plant-load agreement with the Postal
Service.  Plant-load operations may commence once the application is approved
and the mailer enters into the agreement.

154.26 Failure to Meet Requirements.
The local postmaster of the post office that serves the mailer's plant is
responsible for monitoring plant-load operations and must notify his field
division general manager if at any time a mailer fails to meet the
requirements set forth in these regulations for two consecutive postal
accounting periods or, instead, a period set forth in the mailer's plant-load
agreement.  The field division general manager then must reevaluate the
plant-load authorization.

154.27 Appeal

154.271 Responsibility.
If the field division general manager denies an application, the mailer may
appeal to the National Plant Load Policy Committee at Postal Service
Headquarters, which issues a final ruling on the application.  Such an appeal
must be filed with the Chairman of the National Committee within 10 calendar
days of the date of the mailer's receipt of the division manager's notice of
denial.  The National Committee consists of the following officials or their
designees; Director, Office of Transportation and International Services,
Delivery, Distribution and Transportation Department, (chairman); Director,
Office of Distribution Operations and Networks, Delivery, Distribution and
Transportation Department; Director, Office of Classification and Rates
Administration, Marketing and Customer Services Group; Director, Office of
Fleet Management, Operations Systems and Performance Department; Director,
Office of Product Marketing, Marketing Department; and Associate General
Counsel, Office of Postal Rates and Mailing Rules, Law Department.  The mailer
files the appeal with the chairman, National Plant Load Policy Committee,
Office of Transportation and International Services, U.S. Postal Service (for
address, see Address List in Appendices).

154.272 Procedures.
The mailer must specify in its appeal the reasons why the application
should be approved.

154.3 Requirements for Approval of Plant-Load Applications

154.31 Intraservice Area

154.311 General.
An application for an intraservice area plant load is approved if
transportation equipment is available (see 154.312) and cost savings
to the Postal Service are demonstrated under Alternative 1 (see
154.313a), Alternative 2 (see 154.313b), or Alternative 3
(see 154.313c).


154.312 Equipment Availability.
Transportation equipment must be available to transport the mail to the
BMC, ASF, transfer hub, SDC, ADC, MSC, or SCF in the service area of the
mailer's plant.  If equipment is not available, sufficient additional
transportation equipment must be obtained, if possible.  The application must
not be granted until additional transportation equipment is obtained.

154.313 Cost Savings.
The plant load must result in cost savings to the Postal Service.  A cost
savings can be demonstrated under Alternative 1 (see 154.313a),
Alternative 2 (see 154.313b), or Alternative 3 (see
154.313c).

a. Alternative 1: Minimum Volume and Maximum Mileage.
The current and future volume of mail to be plant loaded must be at least
50% of a vehicle by weight or cube, and the mileage from the mailer's plant to
the destination postal facility must be 150 miles or less.  For mail verified
and accepted at a mailer's plant, the Postal Service may allow mailings
verified at the plants of two or more mailers located in the same service area
to be combined to meet the minimum volume requirement.  For mail verified and
accepted at the bulk mail acceptance unit of the origin BMC, ASF, MSC, or SCF,
the minimum volume requirement must be met by the mailings of only one mailer.
 (See 154.423 for requirements for verification at a postal facility.)

b. Alternative 2:  Cost-Savings Analysis.
If the mailer does not meet the criteria in Alternative 1 (see
154.313a), cost savings to the Postal Service must be demonstrated
using the analysis on Form 3815.

c. Alternative 3:  Mail-Processing Capacity.
Even if the mailer does not satisfy either Alternative 1 (see
154.313a), or Alternative 2 (see 154.313b), the cost
savings criteria may be deemed to be satisfied if the local origin postal
facility is operating at or near its mail-processing capacity for the type of
mail to be plant loaded.  The field division general manager/postmaster
determines whether a facility is at or near its mail-processing capacity and
whether to authorize plant load in such cases.  If the field division general
manager subsequently determines that the local origin facility is operating
below its mail-processing capacity for the class or type of mail to be plant
loaded, the field division general manager must reevaluate the plant-load
application.

154.32 Interservice Area

154.321 General.
An application for an interservice area plant load is approved if
transportation equipment is available (see 154.322) and cost savings
to the Postal Service are demonstrated under Alternative 1 (see
154.323a), Alternative 2 (see 154.323b), or Alternative 3
(see 154.323c).

154.322 Equipment Availability.
Transportation equipment must be available to transport the mail to the
BMC, ASF, transfer hub, SDC, ADC, or SCF outside the postal facility's service
area in which the mailer's plant is located.  If equipment is not available,
sufficient additional transportation equipment must be obtained, if possible.
The application must not be granted until additional transportation equipment
is obtained.

154.323 Cost Savings.
The plant load must result in cost savings to the Postal Service.  A cost
savings can be demonstrated under Alternative 1 (see 154.323a),
Alternative 2 (see 154.323b), or Alternative 3 (see
154.323c).

a. Alternative 1:  Minimum Volume and Maximum Mileage

(1) Minimum Volume.
The current and future volume of mail to be plant loaded must be at least
60% of a vehicle by weight or cube.  Mailings of two or more mailers located
in the same service area may be combined to make up the minimum volume.

(2) Maximum Mileage for Highway

(a)
If the plant-load transportation is via highway and bypasses the origin SCF
and at least one BMC, ASF, transfer hub, SDC, or ADC, the distance from the
mailer's plant to the destination postal facility must be 275 miles or less.

(b)
If the plant-loaded transportation is by highway and bypasses only the
origin SCF, the distance from the mailer's plant to the destination postal
facility must be 150 miles or less.

(c)
There is no mileage criterion for plant-load transportation by railroad or
water.

b. Alternative 2:  Cost-Savings Analysis.
If the mailer does not meet the applicable criteria in Alternative 1 (see
154.323a), cost savings to the Postal Service must be demonstrated
by using Part II of Form 3815.

c. Alternative 3:  Mail-Processing Capacity.
Even if the mailer does not satisfy either Alternative 1 (see
154.323a) or Alternative 2 (see 154.323b), the
cost-savings criteria may be deemed to be satisfied if the local origin postal
facility is operating at or near its mail-processing capacity for the type of
mail to be plant-loaded.  The field division general manager/postmaster
determines whether a facility is at or near its mail-processing capacity and
whether to authorize plant load in such cases.  If the field division general
manager subsequently determines that the local origin postal facility is
operating below its mail-processing capacity for the class or type of mail to
be plant-loaded, the field division general manager must reevaluate the
plant-load authorization.

154.4 Verification and Collection of Postage

154.41 General.
All plant-loaded mail must be verified and postage and fees collected in
accordance with the Domestic Mail Manual; DM-102, Bulk Mail
Acceptance; and DM-103, Penalty Mail, except as provided below:


154.42 Verification of Intraservice Area Plant Loads

154.421 General.
Intraservice area plant-loaded mail must be verified at the mailer's plant,
at the origin MSC or SCF, if authorized by the MSC manager, or at the origin
BMC or ASF, if authorized by the BMC or ASF manager.

154.422 Verification at the Mailer's Plant.
Intraservice area plant-loaded mail must be verified at the plant by a
clerk qualified to perform verification and acceptance procedures unless
authorization to verify mail at the origin BMC, ASF, MSC, or SCF has been
granted under 154.423 and 154.424.

154.423 Verification at Postal Facility.
Authorization to verify mail at the origin BMC, ASF, MSC, or SCF may be
granted only if all the following conditions are met:

a.
There is no detached mail unit (DMU) at the mailer's plant.

b.
The mailer is located within the service area of the BMC, ASF, MSC, or SCF
where verification is to take place.

c.
Each vehicle contains the mail of only one mailer.

d.
Each vehicle contains no more than five mailings and each mailing is
physically separated.

e.
If a mailing statement must be completed, the original must accompany the
corresponding mailing in the vehicle.  Where a single mailing is contained in
more than one vehicle, a separate original mailing statement must accompany
each vehicle for the segment of the mailing contained in each vehicle.

f.
If an alternative method of paying postage using permit imprint (e.g.,
manifesting) is used, an original of the appropriate mailing statement and a
manifest must accompany each vehicle if there is only one mailing in the
vehicle or one manifest for each mailing segment in the vehicle.  Where a
single mailing is contained in more than one vehicle, a separate original
mailing statement and manifest must accompany each vehicle for each mailing
segment.

g.
The mailer must maintain a plant-load control log containing (1) a copy of
each mailing statement, numbered sequentially, (2) the number of each vehicle
used to transport the plant-loaded mail, and (3) the name of the BMC, ASF,
MSC, or SCF where verification is to take place.

h.
The mail can be physically verified at the BMC, ASF, MSC, or SCF.
Therefore, the mailing cannot be shrinkor stretch-wrapped or otherwise
prepared so that a presort verification cannot be performed.


154.424 Requirements for Verification at Postal Facility.
If mail is to be verified at the origin BMC, ASF, MSC, or SCF, the
following requirements apply:

a.
Before the vehicle leaves the mailer's plant, the mailer must place on the
inside wall near the right rear door of the trailer a distinctive placard
provided by the Postal Service that indicates that verification is required.
The TMSC or logistics officer must notify the driver not to pick up the
vehicle unless this placard is in the vehicle.  The mailer may place a second
placard on the outside of that trailer door.

b.
The TMSC must report the certified empty weight of the vehicle to the BMC,
ASF, MSC, or SCF verification unit prior to the vehicle's arrival at the
verification unit.

154.425 Corrective Action.
If intraservice area plant-loaded mail is verified at the BMC, ASF, MSC, or
SCF verification unit, and the verification shows an error rate of 5% or more,
the mailer has the following two options:

a.
The mailer pays the single-piece rate on that portion of the mailing
estimated to be improperly prepared.

b.
Within 24 hours, the mailer either transports the mailing, or arranges for
the Postal Service to transport the mailing, to the mailer's plant, at the
mailer's expense, for reworking the mailing to comply with the applicable
makeup requirements for its class.  If the mailer does not transport the mail
or request transportation for it within 24 hours, the mailer must reimburse
the Postal Service for detention in accordance with 154.6.

154.43 Verification of Interservice Area Plant Loads.
Interservice area plant-loaded mail must be verified at the plant by a
clerk qualified to perform verification procedures.

154.44 Payment of Postage and Fees.
The mailer must pay postage and fees for plant-loaded mail to the origin
post office prior to the vehicle being transported from the mailer's plant,
except as provided in 137.

154.5 Preparation Requirements for Plant-Loaded Vehicles

154.51 Intraservice Area Plant Loads.
Intraservice area plant-loaded vehicles must fill 50% or more of a vehicle
by weight or cube.

154.52 Interservice Area Plant Loads

154.521 Vehicles Containing One Mailing.
Interservice area plant-loaded vehicles containing one mailing must be
prepared in accordance with the following preparation requirements for the
appropriate class or type of mail:


a. First-Class Mail

(1) SCF Destination.
When there is enough mail to fill 60% or more of a vehicle by weight or by
cube addressed to the same SCF service area, the mailer must prepare a direct
vehicle for that SCF.

(2) ADC Destination.
 When, after making up all possible SCF vehicles, there is enough mail to
fill 60% or more of a vehicle by weight or by cube addressed to the same area
distribution center (ADC) service area, the mailer must prepare a direct
vehicle for that ADC.

(3) Remaining Mail.
All mail remaining after all the above preparation requirements have been
met is transported by the Postal Service, using appropriate transportation, to
the postal facility selected by the TMSC.

b. Second-Class Mail

(1) SCF Destination.
 When there is enough mail to fill 60% or more of a vehicle by weight or by
cube addressed to the same SCF service area, the mailer must prepare a direct
vehicle for that SCF.

(2) SDC Destination.
 When, after making up all possible SCF vehicles, there is enough mail to
fill 60% or more of a vehicle by weight or by cube addressed to the same state
distribution center (SDC) service area, the mailer must prepare a direct
vehicle for that SDC.

(3) Transfer Hubs.
 When, after making up all possible SCF and SDC vehicles, there is enough
mail to fill 60% or more of a vehicle by weight or by cube addressed to the
service area of the same transfer hub, the mailer must prepare a direct
vehicle for that transfer hub.

(4) Remaining Mail.
 All mail remaining after all the above preparation requirements have been
met is transported by the Postal Service, using appropriate transportation, to
the postal facility selected by the TMSC.

c. Thirdand Fourth-Class Mail

(1) SCF Destination.
When there is enough mail to fill 60% or more of a vehicle by weight or by
cube addressed to the same SCF service area, the mailer must prepare a direct
vehicle for that SCF.

(2) BMC or ASF Destination.
When, after making up all possible SCF vehicles, there is enough mail to
fill 60% or more of a vehicle by weight or by cube addressed to the same BMC
or ASF service area, the mailer must prepare a direct vehicle for that BMC or
ASF.

(3) Remaining Mail.
All mail remaining after all the above preparation requirements have been
met is transported by the Postal Service, using appropriate transportation, to
the postal facility selected by the TMSC.


154.522 Vehicles Containing Two or More Mailings.
Interservice area plant-loaded vehicles containing two or more mailings
must be prepared in accordance with the following preparation requirements for
the appropriate class or type of mail:

a.
 Two or more mailings, which independently have insufficient volume to
require destination vehicles to be prepared, may be combined to make up an
origin vehicle without meeting the requirements of 154.522b.

b.
 Two or more mailings, which independently have sufficient volume to
require destination vehicles to be prepared, when combined, must meet the
preparation requirements described below.

(1) First-Class Mail.
 When there is enough mail to fill 60% or more of a vehicle, by weight or
by cube, addressed to the same ADC service area, the mailer must prepare a
direct vehicle for the ADC.

(2) Second-Class Mail.
 When there is enough mail to fill 60% or more of a vehicle, by weight or
by cube, addressed to the service area of the same transfer hub, the mailer
must prepare a direct vehicle for that transfer hub.

(3) Thirdand Fourth-Class Mail.
 When there is enough mail to fill 60% or more of a vehicle, by weight or
by cube, addressed to the same BMC or ASF service area, the mailer must
prepare a direct vehicle for that BMC or ASF.

(4) Remaining Mail.
Mail remaining after all the above preparation requirements for the
appropriate class or type of mail have been met is transported by the Postal
Service, using appropriate transportation, to the postal facility selected by
the TMSC.

154.53 Determination of Vehicle Makeup Requirements.
 The makeup requirements for plant-loaded vehicles are determined according
to the destination of the mailings accepted by the Postal Service at the
mailer's plant.  Whenever possible, mailers should combine mailings in
vehicles as a means of preparing the finest destination vehicles possible.

154.54 Corrective Action.
 If a plant-loaded mailing does not meet the preparation requirements for
plant-loaded vehicles as required in 154.51 or 154.52, the
mailer has the following two options:

a.
Rework the mailing so that it complies with the applicable makeup
requirements for plant-loaded vehicles as required in 154.51 or
154.52.

Note: If the mailing has been verified for presort, mail makeup, and
postage payment purposes and has been accepted as mail at the mailer's plant,
and then it is determined that the vehicle preparation requirements have not
been met, the mailer must choose this option and rework the mailing.  Vehicles
must not be dispatched from the plant until the vehicle preparation
requirements are met.


b.
Transport the mailing at the mailer's expense to a postal facility within
the origin service area which has been designated by the origin postmaster and
has the capability to process that class of mail.  If this option is chosen,
all applicable mailing statements must be submitted with the mailings.  The
origin postmaster must notify the designated postal facility in advance that
the mailer has chosen to transport the mail at its own expense and is to enter
the mailing at that facility.  The mailing must be verified at the designated
postal facility for proper presort and mail makeup for the class of mail and
for postage payment purposes.  The designated postal facility completes the
post office portion of the mailing statements after the mailing has been
verified and accepted and returns the mailing statements to the origin post
office, where postage and fees must be paid.

Note:  The mailing cannot be verified at the mailer's plant, and
acceptance of the mailings is dependent upon verification at the designated
postal facility.

154.6  Reimbursement for Nonpostal Services

154.61  General.
 The Postal Service must obtain reimbursement from mailers for nonpostal
services furnished by the Postal Service in providing plant-load service only
as authorized below.

154.62 Detention of Trailers

154.621 General.
The Postal Service must obtain reimbursement in accordance with
154.622 through 154.625 from plant-load mailers for
detention of trailers where trailers furnished by the Postal Service to
provide plant-load service are detained as a result of some action or inaction
of the mailer.

154.622 Request to Detain Trailers

a.
Plant-load mailers desiring to detain trailers longer than the time
necessary to load them must make such a request to the Postal Service at least
24 hours in advance of the requested date and time of the trailer's arrival.
The mailer must agree to reimburse the Postal Service for the cost of
detaining the trailers.  The Postal Service must approve the request to detain
trailers before the trailers are sent to the mailer's plant.

b.
If the mailer did not submit a timely request to detain trailers, but
nevertheless detains trailers longer than the time necessary to load them, the
mailer must reimburse the Postal Service for the cost of detaining the
trailers.

154.623 Nonreimbursable Detention Period.
Mailers who submit timely requests to detain trailers may do so for 24
hours without reimbursing the Postal Service for detention.  The
nonreimbursable period begins at the date and time the trailer arrives at the
mailer's plant or, at the date and time at which the mailer requested the
trailer to arrive, whichever is later, and ends 24 hours later, excluding
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.  For example, if a trailer arrives at 5 p.m.
on Friday, the nonreimbursable period ends 5 p.m. on Monday or 5 p.m. on
Tuesday, if Monday is a holiday.


154.624 Determination of Reimbursable Detention Period

a.
If the plant-load mailer has submitted timely requests to detain trailers,
the reimbursable detention period begins at the expiration of the
nonreimbursable detention period.

b.
If the mailer did not submit timely requests to detain trailers, the
reimbursable detention period begins at the date and time the trailer arrives
at the plant, or at the date and time at which the mailer requested the
trailer to arrive, whichever is later.

c.
The reimbursable period ends when the trailer is ready for dispatch and the
mailer so notifies the Postal Service.

154.625 Calculation of Reimbursement.
Reimbursement is made for each 24 hours, or fraction thereof, of the
reimbursable detention period that a trailer is detained.  After the
nonreimbursable detention period ends, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are
included in the calculation of detention reimbursement.

a. Highway Transportation Trailers.
Reimbursement for each highway transportation trailer is equal to the
actual daily cost to the Postal Service to lease the trailer, multiplied by
the number of detention periods determined per 154.625.

b. Rail Transportation Trailers.
Reimbursement for each rail transportation trailer is equal to the
demurrage or detention charge payable by the Postal Service under the rail
transportation contract under which the trailer is furnished to the Postal
Service by the railroad.

154.63 Bobtailing, Deadheading, Waiting/Holding Charges.
The Postal Service must obtain reimbursement from plant-load mailers for
bobtailing, deadheading, or waiting/holding, where such charges are incurred
in order to provide plant-load service as a result of some action or inaction
by the mailer.  Reimbursement is equal to the charge for such service payable
by the Postal Service under the transportation contract.

154.64 Nonreimbursable Charges

154.641 Detention.
The Postal Service does not obtain reimbursement from plant-load mailers
for detention of trailers which results from some action or inaction of the
Postal Service.

154.642 Other Operations.
The Postal Service does not obtain reimbursement from plant-load mailers
where bobtailing, deadheading or waiting/holding charges are incurred as a
result of some action or inaction of the Postal Service.

154.643 User's Charges.
The Postal Service does not obtain reimbursement from plant-load mailers
for user's charges paid by the Postal Service to a railroad contractor for the
movement of railroad trailers beyond the commercial zone of the railroad
terminus.


154.7 Transportation

154.71 Selection of Mode of Transportation.
The TMSC selects the least costly mode of transportation that can meet the
service objectives for the class of mail plant-loaded.  The mode of
transportation is not changed at the request of the mailer.

154.72 Mailer Transportation.
Mailers may transport their own plant-loaded mail when there is a highway
contract between the Postal Service and the mailer, or the mailer has been
authorized to transport plant-verified mail under the provisions of
154.73 and has entered into an Expedited Plant Load Shipment
Agreement with the Postal Service.  The awarding of a highway contract to the
mailer or authorization under the provisions of 154.73 is not a
factor in deciding whether to authorize the plant load.  Any cost savings that
may result from an expedited plant load shipment authorization may not be
included in the cost-savings analysis for initial plant-load authorization or
renewal.

154.73  Expedited Plant Load Shipment

154.731 Definition.
Under an expedited plant load shipment authorization, the Postal Service
verifies the mail for presort and proper preparation at the mailer's plant,
and postage is paid at the post office where the mailer is authorized plant
load.  The mailer then transports the expedited plant load shipment at the
mailer's expense to destination postal facilities where the shipment is
deposited and accepted into the mailstream.  Only plant load mailers who have
been authorized to do so may transport expedited plant load shipments at their
own expense under the conditions specified in 154.732 through
154.737.

154.732 Authorization

a.  Request.
An authorized plant load mailer may seek authorization to submit expedited
plant load shipments by submitting a written request to the field division
general manager/postmaster who authorized the plant load.  The mailer's
request must describe, for each destination to which mail is to be
transported, the material to be deposited as an expedited plant load shipment
(e.g., the class, characteristics, and quantity), the frequency of mailing,
and whether the request is for one or for a series of specific mailings.  No
form is provided for this purpose.

b.  Action on Mailer's Request.
The field division general manager/postmaster or designee reviews the
mailer's request, obtains appropriate advice from the serving TMSC, ensures
the availability of sufficient postal resources (e.g., DMU staff) to support
the mailer's request, and provides the mailer with a written decision.  If the
request is approved, the authorization is for a specific mailing or group of
mailings, and for a time period not to exceed 2 years, after which a new
request must be submitted.  If the request is denied, the denial notice must
explain the reasons for that decision.  A denial is considered a
classification decision and may be appealed as provided by 133.

c.  General Conditions.
The mailer's request for expedited plant load shipment authorization may be
approved when such approval is in the best interest of the Postal Service and
the following conditions exist:

(1)
the mailer is in compliance with the requirements for a plant load
operation;

(2)
the mailer has complied with the additional requirements for expedited
plant load shipment;

(3)
the mailer has obtained the necessary permits, and has established the
appropriate postage accounts at the post office administering the plant load
(office of mailing);

(4)
the mailer has demonstrated the need for authorization because the nature
of the mailings to be prepared as expedited plant load shipments requires a
level of service or a timeframe for delivery (delivery window) that the normal
mode of Postal Service transportation for that class of mail cannot provide or
meet.

d.  Plant Load Agreement.
If the expedited plant load shipment request is approved for more than
one-time use, the plant load agreement must be amended by attaching a
completed and signed Form 8026, and additional documents detailing the
material to be prepared as expedited plant load shipments.

154.733 Verification and Collection of Postage.
All mail which is part of a expedited plant load shipment mailing must be
verified and have postage and fees collected according to the class of mail as
required in this manual, Handbook DM-102, Bulk Mail Acceptance, and
Handbook DM-103, Penalty Mail, before it is loaded into
mailer-supplied transportation and dispatched.  The plant-load requirements in
154.421, 154.422, 154.43, and 154.44
must be met.

154.734 Liability.
The mailer assumes all liability and responsibility for any loss or damage
to the shipment before it is deposited in and accepted at a postal facility,
whether or not a third party is used to transport it.  The Postal Service is
not liable or responsible for any loss of or damage to an expedited plant load
shipment before it is deposited in and accepted at a postal facility.

154.735  Mailer Responsibilities.
Mailers who are authorized to have mail verified in their plant and paid
for at the post office serving the mailer's plant (plant-load authorization)
and to transport that mail at their own expense for deposit at a destination
postal facility (or facilities), must adhere to the following requirements
before expedited plant load shipments can be deposited at destination postal
facilities:

a.
The postal facility (or facilities) at which the mail is to be deposited
must be one that processes the class of mail to be deposited.

b.
All the mailpieces in each expedited plant load shipment must destinate
within the service area of the postal facility where the shipment is deposited
and accepted.  For example, if an expedited plant load shipment is deposited
at a BMC, all the pieces in the shipment must be for addresses within the
service area of that BMC.

c.
The mailer must contact each postal facility where the expedited plant load
shipment is to be deposited to arrange and obtain approval for a time and
location to deposit the plant-verified mail.

d.
When a vehicle contains more than one expedited plant load shipment that is
to be drop-shipped to a single destination postal facility, each shipment must
be physically separated.  When a vehicle contains mailings or mailing segments
for more than one destination facility, the mail must be physically separated
by destination, and then within each destination the mail must be physically
separated by mailing or mailing segment.

e.
When the vehicle used for expedited plant load shipment also contains other
material carried as freight, the mailer must load all freight in the nose
(front) of the vehicle, clearly marked and separated from the expedited plant
load shipment, and must ensure that the method of separation prevents the
freight and expedited plant load shipment from becoming mixed in transit.

f.
When the vehicle is loaded to make multiple stops, the mailer must ensure
that only the appropriate shipment is removed at each stop, that no other
material (mail or freight) is added, and that any remaining shipments are kept
separate from any other freight remaining on the vehicle.

g.
The mailer must present the required mailing statements and documentation
to the DMU for each mailing.  At destination, the mailer must provide the
necessary documentation (provided by the Postal Service) to prove the required
postage was paid for the expedited plant load shipment.

h.
The mailer must meet the requirements that apply to any presort or
automation-based rates claimed on the mailing being prepared as an expedited
plant load shipment.  Expedited plant load shipments are not eligible for
destination entry rates.

154.736  Detached Mail Unit (DMU) Responsibilities.
When mailers are authorized to transport an expedited plant load shipment
at their own expense to a destination postal facility, the DMU employees
assigned to the mailer's plant must verify those mailings as they would all
other mail that is to be accepted under the plant-load authorization,
including the following:

a.  Prior to Dispatch.
Prior to the dispatch of an expedited plant load shipment, DMU employees
must perform the following additional activities for mail loaded onto
mailer-provided transportation:

(1)
Observe the loading of each vehicle used to transport an expedited plant
load shipment.

(2)
Complete the origin post office section of Form 3607-C for each mailing or
mailing segment contained in each vehicle for each postal facility where mail
is to be deposited.

(3)
Complete a Form 8017 for each vehicle dispatched.  Place the form on the
inside rear sidewall of the vehicle.  Completion of more than one Form 8017 is
required for mail to be deposited at multiple postal facilities.

(4)
Ensure that any material carried as freight on the same vehicle as an
expedited plant load shipment is confined to the nose (front) of the vehicle,
is separated by a clearly marked separation, and is loaded to avoid becoming
mixed with the expedited plant load shipment in transit.

(5)
Placard the mailer-provided transportation with Form 5111-R and seal the
vehicle.

b.  After Dispatch.
After the dispatch of an expedited plant load shipment, the DMU must
perform the following activities:

(1)
Upon receipt of Forms 3607-C and Forms 8017 from destination post offices
pursuant to 154.737, reconcile the forms with the mailing statements
to ensure that those offices received the correct volume of mail.

(2)
Follow up with any post office where an expedited plant load shipment was
deposited but from which no Form 3607-C or Form 8017 was returned.

154.737 Destination Postal Facility Responsibilities

a.
Postal facilities where expedited plant load shipment mailings are
deposited must complete the destination post office section of Form 8017 and
Form 3607-C accompanying the vehicle and return them to the postmaster of the
post office where the mailer's plant load is authorized.

b.
Each destination postal facility receiving expedited plant load shipments
must determine whether the mailer's vehicle has other expedited plant load
shipments on board for deposit at other postal facilities.  If more shipments
are found, the vehicle must be sealed by postal personnel prior to departure.
If the vehicle is empty or found to contain only freight, no postal seal is
applied.

c.
Additional mail for downstream postal facilities must not be loaded onto
the mailer's vehicle by any postal facility at which the mailer has deposited
an expedited plant load shipment.

154.738  Refunds.
The Postal Service does not refund postage for any failure to provide
service that is caused in whole or in part by any event that occurs before the
shipment is deposited in and accepted at a postal facility, except in
accordance with 147.2.

154.74 Holding, Storing, or Delaying Dispatch.
The Postal Service will not hold, store, or otherwise delay the dispatch of
plant-loaded mail released to the Postal Service, except as provided in the
plant-load agreement with the mailer.

154.75 Relocation of Trailers.
The Postal Service must not relocate trailers at a mailer's plant.

154.8 Service Objectives.
The service objectives that apply to the class of mail being transported
apply to the plant-loaded mail.  Plant-loaded mail may have deferred service
objectives, if provided for in the plant-load agreement.

155 City Delivery

155.1 Requirements for Delivery Service

155.11 Establishment.
In this part, "establishment" refers to the initiation of city delivery
service in a community which currently does not receive it.  In establishing
city delivery service, a combination of delivery methods is considered to
provide adequate service to all residential and business sections of a
community.  All establishments of delivery service must have final approval of
the regional postmaster general or the designee.  Establishment of delivery
service is considered when the following essential requirements are met:

a.
Within the area to be served there is a population of 2,500 or more or 750
possible deliveries.  (The postal population may vary greatly from the general
census population because of different boundary interpretations and
designations.)

b.
At least 50% of the building lots in the area to be served are improved
with houses or business places.  Where a house or building and its yard or
ground cover more than one lot, all lots so covered are considered to be
improved.

c.
The streets are paved or otherwise improved to permit the travel of post
office vehicles at all times, without damage or delay.

d.
Streets are named and house numbers are assigned by the appropriate
municipal authorities in a manner which precludes duplicate mailing addresses.

e.
The street signs are in place and the house numbers are displayed.

f.
The rights-of-way, turnouts, and areas adjacent to the roads and streets
are sufficiently improved so that the installation and servicing of boxes are
not hazardous to the public or postal employees.

g.
Satisfactory walks exist for the carrier where required.

h.
Approved mail receptacles or doorslots are installed at designated
locations.

155.12 Extensions.
In this part, "extension" refers to the initiation of city delivery service
in any areas which are not included in the boundaries of present delivery
service, but which are part of a community for which city delivery service has
already been established.  The delivery service requirements for extensions
are the same as those listed in 155.11 for establishments, except that

a.
section 155.11a does not apply to extensions, and

b.
the applicability of 155.11b may be waived if

(1)
there is a reasonable expectation that the requirements of 155.11b
can be met within 12 months, and

(2)
clusterboxes or neighborhood box units are to be used for delivery.

155.13 Existing Establishments and Extensions Not Affected.
Nothing in this part shall be interpreted to require any changes in any
city delivery service initiated under prior city delivery regulations.

155.2 Delivery Policy--Establishment and Extensions

155.21 General.
Establishment or extension of city delivery service is considered for those
areas meeting the criteria in 155.11 and 155.12.  Normally,
this is by motorized carrier to curbline boxes or to central delivery points
or receptacles, supplemented as given below.

155.22 Business Areas.
The type and design of buildings govern the method of delivery service to
be implemented.  The delivery options are the following:

a.
Central delivery service for business office buildings, which may include

(1)
call windows,

(2)
post office boxes, or

(3)
mechanical conveyors.

Note: Available only for highrise, multiple-tenant buildings, and only
if certain conditions are met.  For details, consult your postmaster.

b.
Single points, receptacles, or doorslots provided by business management.

155.23 Residential Housing (Except Apartment Houses and Mobile or Trailer
Homes)

155.231 General.
For all residential areas, except apartment houses and mobile or trailer
homes, the delivery options are either curbside, sidewalk, or central
delivery, under the regulations given below.

155.232 Curbside Delivery.
Delivery may be provided to boxes located at the curb so they can be safely
and conveniently served by the carrier from his vehicle.

155.233 Sidewalk Delivery

a.
If the sidewalk abuts the curb or if other unusual conditions exist (e.g.,
excessive street parking) that make it difficult or impractical to install or
serve boxes at the curbline, those customers may be permitted to install all
their boxes at the edge of the sidewalk nearest the residence, where they can
all be served by the carrier from the sidewalk.

b.
If the average lot frontage is 75 feet or less, the boxes are not required
to be grouped together; but, if the average lot frontage exceeds 75 feet, the
boxes must be installed in groups of at least two.

c.
If the average lot frontage is 50 feet or less, customers may locate their
mailboxes at the edge of the sidewalk nearest the residence rather than at the
curb, regardless of whether the sidewalk abuts the curb or other unusual
conditions exist.  All the boxes must be located so that the carrier can serve
them from the sidewalk.

155.234 Central Delivery.
Central delivery may be provided at one or more central locations within a
residential housing development, community, or area.  The requirements for
such delivery are the following:

a.
The local postal managers must approve the mailbox sites and equipment;

b.
There must be a minimum of two mailboxes erected at one site (there is no
maximum limit); and

c.
The customers must not be required to travel an unreasonable distance to
obtain their mail.

155.235 Central Delivery Addresses.
Central delivery mail receptacles (including neighborhood box
units/clusterboxes, delivery centers, and postal centers) must be identified
by the same addresses as the dwellings for which they serve as mail
receptacles.  These identical addresses should be placed inside the boxes so
as to be visible only to the carrier as he serves the receptacle or the
customer.  For security or privacy, mailer associations or customer groups may
use another alphanumeric identification system that is not part of the mailing
address.

155.24 Apartment Houses.
See 155.6 for delivery options.

155.25 Mobile or Trailer Homes.
The delivery options for mobile or trailer home developments depend upon
whether the development is permanent or transient.

155.251
Permanent developments consist of managed mobile home parks or residential
mobile home subdivisions where the lots are permanently assigned, the streets
are maintained for public use, and the conditions are similar to those of a
normal residential subdivision.  For permanent developments, the delivery
options are either curbside, sidewalk, or central delivery, under the
regulations given below.

a. Curbside Delivery.
Delivery service may be provided to boxes which are located at the curb so
that they can be safely and conveniently served by the carrier from the
vehicle.

b. Sidewalk Delivery

(1)
If the sidewalk abuts the curb or other unusual conditions exist (e.g.,
excessive street parking) that make it difficult or impractical to install or
serve boxes at the curbline, those customers may install all their boxes at
the edge of the sidewalk nearest the residence where they can all be served by
the carrier from the sidewalk.

(2)
In such conditions, if the average lot frontage is 75 feet or less, the
sidewalk boxes are not required to be grouped together; but, if the average
lot frontage exceeds 75 feet, the sidewalk boxes must be installed in groups
of at least two.

(3)
If the average lot frontage is 50 feet or less, the customers may be
permitted to locate all their mailboxes at the edge of the sidewalk nearest
the residence, rather than at the curb, regardless of whether the sidewalk
abuts the curb or other unusual conditions exist.  All the boxes must be
located so the carrier can serve them from the sidewalk.

c. Central Delivery

(1)
Delivery service may be provided to a single point or receptacle designated
by the management of the development for the receipt of mail for distribution
by its employees.

(2)
Delivery service may be provided to one or more central points for the
direct receipt of mail by postal customers within the area.

(3)
The requirements for such central delivery are

(a)
the local postal managers must approve the mailbox and equipment,

(b)
there must be a minimum of two mailboxes erected at one site (there is no
maximum limit), and

(c)
the customers must not be required to travel an unreasonable distance to
obtain their mail.
