


950 Alternate Delivery Services

951 Post Office Box (P.O. Box) Service

951.1 Purpose and Definition

951.11 Purpose.
Post office boxes are a premium service offered for a fee to those
customers who require more than free carrier or general delivery.  It permits
customers to obtain their mail during the hours the box lobby is open.

951.12 Definition

951.121
Post office box service is provided only through the use of post office
boxes.  The term "post office box" (P.O. Box) is used to designate this
service in an address.

951.122
The term "box customer" applies only to the following:

a.
The person who signs the application as an individual; or,

b.
The organization on whose behalf an individual signs the application.

951.13 General

951.131
Post office boxes are located only in postal facilities.  Customers who
receive mail in these boxes may open the boxes by means of a key or
combination lock.

951.132
A number is assigned to each box.  Mail intended for delivery through a box
must show the assigned post office box number in the address immediately above
the city, state, and ZIP Code.  Lack of a ZIP Code on mail, or use of a ZIP
Code other than that assigned to the box section, could result in delayed or
incorrect delivery.  Mail bearing both a street address and a box number is
delivered in accordance with 122.21 or 122.22.

951.133
There are five box sizes.  All five sizes may not be available at every
facility.  Customers are assigned a box size in accordance with their needs
and the availability of boxes at the facility, as determined by the
postmaster.  The postmaster may require a customer to use a larger size box if
the volume of mail increases beyond the capacity of the present box.

951.134
Customers wishing to receive delivery at more than five post office boxes
in any one facility must comply with the requirements of 952.136b.

951.135
Boxes without doors for customer access, formerly identified as "Call
Boxes," are used only in conjunction with general delivery service.  No fee is
charged for this service.

951.136
Post office box service does not include alternate means of delivery
established to replace, simplify, or extend carrier delivery service.
Examples are vertical improved mail (VIM) units, neighborhood clusterbox
units, apartment house units, rural nonpersonnel units, etc.

951.14 Obtaining Service

951.141 Application

a.
A Form 1093 is used to obtain post office box service.  Blank applications
may be obtained at any post office.  An applicant must complete all spaces on
the form which require customer-provided information and submit the completed
form to any postal facility which provides window service to the public.  The
facility at which the application is submitted need not be the same as that at
which the post office box service is desired.  Furnishing false information on
the application or refusal to furnish required information may be sufficient
reason for denial of the application or discontinuance of service.

b.
The employee who accepts an application must take the following actions:

(1)
Perform the verification procedures in 951.142a  or
951.142b.

(2)
Date the application on the reverse side with an Item 570, All Purpose
Dating Stamp .

(3)
If post office box service is desired at a postal facility other than that
at which the application is submitted, forward the application to the
postmaster for the facility where the service is desired.

c.
The postmaster for the facility where box service is provided takes the
following actions:

(1)
Approve or deny the application.

(2)
Notify the applicant of the decision and the reason for any denial.

(3)
If the application is approved, assign a box number upon receipt of the
proper fee.  Normally, if the address shown on the application is a local
address, a box number is assigned at the facility serving that address; or, if
an out-of-town address is shown, a box number is assigned at the main office
station.  Other arrangements may be made at the discretion of the postmaster.

d.
A waiting list must be maintained of post office box applicants when the
desired size of box is not available.

951.142 Verification.
An application for post office box service may not be approved until the
applicant has been verified.

a. Known Applicant.
The application of a known applicant is considered to be verified upon
submission of Form 1093.

b. Unknown Applicant

(1)
An unknown applicant must present valid identification with the
application.   Social Security cards are not acceptable as identification.
The following are examples of identification which are acceptable:

(a)
Driver's license.

(b)
Military, Government, or an established corporate identification card.

(c)
Passport.

(d)
Other credential showing the applicant's signature and a serial number or
other indicia which can be traced to the bearer.

(2)
Consider an application verified if there is no discrepancy between
information on the application and on the identification presented. If the
information on the application does not match that on the identification,
verification procedures must be followed to substantiate that the applicant
resides or conducts business at the address shown.  Complete this verification
within 3 workdays.

c. Assignment.
A box is assigned immediately upon approval of the application and payment
of the box fee.

951.143 Changing Locations.
Post office box service may be transferred without payment of an additional
fee to a box of the same size and fee group at a different facility of the
same post office.  To obtain such a transfer, the box customer must submit a
new application, Form 1093, to either the location where service was
originally provided or to the facility where post office box service is
desired.  A box customer may transfer no more than once in a semiannual
payment period and must submit a Form 3575 at the time of transfer.  Form
1091-A must be endorsed at both the old and new locations to show that service
and payment period have been transferred.  Requests involving a change to a
box of a different size, fee group, or for transfer to a different post
office, or for more than one transfer in any semiannual payment period, must
be handled as a new transaction, with the current service subject to the
refund provisions of 951.31.  The exchange of information between
facilities required by this section should be made by telephone, if possible.

951.144 Minors.
Post office box service may be provided to minors unless parents or
guardians object in writing to the postmaster.

951.15 Conditions of Use

951.151 Receipt of Mail.
An individual box customer or organization may receive through the box any
mail properly addressed to the box number.

951.152 Mail Addressed Only to a Box Number.
Mail addressed only to a box number is delivered to the box as long as no
improper or unlawful business is conducted.

951.153 Updating Application Form.
Whenever any information required on Form 1093 changes or becomes obsolete,
the box customer must file a revised application reflecting such changes.

951.16 Restrictions on Use

951.161 Permissible Matter.
Only matter which has passed through the mail or official postal notices
may be placed in a post office box.

951.162 Accumulation of Mail

a. Time Limit.
Box customers must remove mail promptly from their boxes.  If mail is to
accumulate for more than 30 days and an overflow condition is probable,
specific arrangements must be made in advance with the postmaster.
Postmasters should not take remedial action, provided the accumulation of mail
is not an operational problem beyond 30 days.

b. Overflow.
When the accumulation of mail for a customer's post office box is more than
the box can hold (a condition defined as overflow) on 12 of any 20 consecutive
business days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and national public holidays),
the customer must either change to a box of sufficient capacity or use caller
service (see 952.136a). In identifying an overflow, do not count an
item of mail that is too large to fit in an empty box of the size used by the
customer.  Disregard overflows if prior arrangements have been made for an
expected accumulation of mail or because of unusual circumstances which
interrupt the normal removal of mail from the box.  Such instances may occur
when individual box customers are on vacation (not applicable to firm,
corporate, association, or institutional box customers) or for other good and
sufficient reasons.  Also disregard an overflow which occurs as a result of a
box customer using Express Mail reshipment service (see 227).  The
postmaster determines the sufficiency of a reason.  Use the following
procedures for overflow evaluation:

(1)
A check of the mail volume for a box must be conducted whenever any
employee or supervisor assigned to the box section observes an overflow for
that box.  Postmasters must instruct employees in the box section to report
such overflows to their supervisors.

(2)
In addition to the checks resulting from the ongoing observations, a check
must be scheduled for a 5-day period twice each year at every postal facility
which offers post office box service to the public.  However, there is no need
for all facilities to be checked in the same 5-day period.  During each of
these checks, all post office boxes in a facility must be observed for 5
consecutive days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and national public
holidays.  As far as practicable, these checks must be scheduled at different
times each year so that all the weeks in each 6-month check period are
eventually sampled.  Do not schedule a check in the same week nor in the week
succeeding that of the previous year.

(3)
Use Form 1532 as the record of all such volume checks.  Complete a separate
Form 1532 for only those boxes in which an overflow is observed.  If none is
observed, endorse a single blank Form 1532 to state that no overflows were
observed for any box during the regularly scheduled check and place the form
in the file.  Record overflows on Section 1 of Form 1532 and continue
observations over a 5-day period.  If, during this 5-day period, Form 1532
shows any box with an overflow for 3 or more days, complete the notice on
Section 3 of Form 1532 for each overflow and deliver it to the box customer.
After Section 3 has been issued, continue the observations and record them by
completing Section 1 and continuing through Section 2 of Form 1532.  Retain
Form 1532 for 1 year.

(4)
Discontinue a check if the box is in overflow for less than 3 of the first
5 days or less than 12 of the full 20-day test period.  When a check is
discontinued because of an insufficient number of overflow days in the test
period, complete block 1 on Section 4 of Form 1532 and deliver the form to the
box customer who had previously received Section 3.

(5)
If a check shows an overflow on 12 of the 20 days in the test period,
notify the customer by completing block 2 on Section 4 of Form 1532. Give the
customer 5 days in which to respond to the notice and to make appropriate
arrangements in accordance with the options listed in Section 3 of Form 1532.
If caller service is adopted, follow the procedures in 952.136a.
Any customer who is released from caller service as a result of a followup
check in 952.136a(2), is immediately subject to the checks required
by 951.162b(1) and 951.162b(2), upon resumption of box
delivery.

951.163 Unlawful Activity.
No post office boxes may be used for, or in connection with, a scheme or
enterprise which

a.
violates any Federal, state, or local law;

b.
breaches an agreement with a Federal, state, or local agency whereby the
box customer has agreed to discontinue a specified activity; or

c.
violates or attempts to evade any order of a court or administrative body.

951.164 Forwarding.
Boxes may not be used when the sole purpose is, by subsequently filing
change-of-address orders, to have mail forwarded or transferred to another
address by the Postal Service, free of charge.

951.165 Holding Period.
The holding period for mail addressed and deliverable to a post office box
is specified in 159.326.

951.2 Fees

951.21 Fee Payment Periods

951.211 Group 1.
Group 1 fees are for a semiannual (6-month) period.  One or two periods may
be paid at the same time (see 951.261 and also 951.276).

951.212 Group 2.
Group 2 fees for box sizes 3, 4, and 5 are for a semiannual (6-month)
period.  One or two periods may be paid at the same time for these sizes (see
951.261 and also 951.276).  Group 2 fees for box sizes 1
and 2 are for an annual period and may be paid for one period only (see
951.261 and also 951.276).

951.213 Group 3.
Group 3 fees are for an annual period and may be paid for one period only
(see 951.261 and also 951.276).

951.22 Fee Groups

951.221 General Provisions.
Customers at all facilities under the administration of the same post
office are subject to the same post office box fees applicable at the main
office.  This includes any post office which has been discontinued and
reestablished as a station, branch, or another post office.

951.222 Group 1 Fees

a.  General Application.
Customers at all facilities of a city delivery post office who are eligible
for any kind of delivery by postal carrier, must be charged Group 1 fees.  A
customer who is ineligible for any kind of delivery by postal carrier may use
one box at Group 2 fees.  (Delivery to additional boxes may be obtained at the
applicable Group 1 fee.)

b.  Independent Facilities.
All customers who receive mail at a mail-processing facility that is not
under the administration of a post office must pay Group 1 fees.



CategoryPost OfficeZIP Codes

1ANew York, NY10001-10299

1BStaten Island, NY10301-10399
 Boston, MA02113, 02115, 02128,
02134-02135, 02139-02140, 02142,
02146, 02158-02162, 02164-02168,
02178-02179, 02181, 02205,
02214-02216, 02218, 02238
Long Island City, NY11101-11199
Brooklyn, NY11201-11299
Queens (Flushing), NY11301-11399
Queens (Jamaica), NY11401-11499
Queens (Far Rockaway), NY11601-11699
Philadelphia, PA19101-19104, 19107
Washington, DC20004-20009, 20013, 20026,
20036-20037, 20050
Bethesda, MD 20813, 20824-20825, 20827
Arlington, VA22202, 22209-22210, 22216
McLean, VA   22103
Chicago, IL   60606, 60610-60611, 60654,
60664, 60680-60681, 60684, 60690
Los Angeles, CA90019, 90024-90025, 90034-90035,
90048-90049, 90064, 90067, 90069
Beverly Hills, CA90210-90212
Santa Monica, CA 90401-90405
San Francisco, CA94101, 94107-94108, 94126,
94133, 94147, 94159, 94164
Honolulu, HI     96801-96815, 96830


1C Post Office Box Service:  All post offices that have
city delivery by postal carrier and are not listed in Group 1A or 1B.
Caller Service: All post offices not listed in Group 1A or 1B.


Exhibit 951.222, Post Office Box Group 1 Categories]



c.  Group 1 Categories.
Group 1 fees are divided into three categories as listed in Exhibit
951.222.  Customers must pay the category of Group 1 fee corresponding to
the post office where the box is rented.

951.223 Group 2 Fees.
Customers at noncity delivery (NCD) offices are charged Group 2 fees.

951.224 Group 3 Fees.
Customers at all community post offices (CPOs) and at all contract stations
and branches of NCD offices, including CPOs, are charged Group 3 fees.


951.23 Changes in Fees.
Changes in post office box fees may be required by a general fee change; or
a different fee group may become applicable to the customers at an office as
the result of a change in carrier service, or a change in the status of a
postal facility.  Revised post office box fees are effective on the date of
the action which caused the change unless another date is specified in an
official announcement.  If a post office box fee is increased, no customers
are required to pay at the new rate until the end of the period (annual or
semiannual), for which they have already paid.

951.24 General Delivery.
A customer who is eligible to use a post office box at Group 2 fees, but
who, in fact, does not use a box, may receive no more than one separation in
general delivery without time limit.  Customers who are not eligible to use a
post office box at Group 2 fees may not receive general delivery for periods
longer than 30 days, except as provided in 953.

951.25 Facilities Primarily Serving Academic Institutions

951.251 Boxes Owned by the Institution.
The Postal Service does not set or collect fees for boxes owned by an
academic institution, if the boxes are separate from designated Postal Service
areas and serviced by employees or agents of the institution.  The institution
may set and collect fees for such boxes, but the revenue is not considered to
be Postal Service funds.  In all other cases, fees are collected as otherwise
provided in 951.2 and the Postal Service retains the revenue.

951.252 Adjustment of Fees to Meet Semester Schedules.
In facilities primarily serving academic institutions or the students of
such institutions, box fees may be adjusted to better fit the semester
schedules as follows:



Box Service PeriodApplicable
Adjusted Fee

95 days or less 1/2 semiannual fee
(or 1/4 annual fee)
96 to 140 days 3/4 semiannual fee
(or 3/8 annual fee)
141 to 190 daysFull semiannual fee
(or 1/2 annual fee)
191 to 230 days1-1/4 semiannual fee
(or 5/8 annual fee)
231 to 270 days1-1/2 semiannual fee
(or 3/4 annual fee)
271 days to full year2 semiannual fees
(or full annual fee)



Note:  Round charges to the next (higher) multiple of $0.10.  No
refunds are made for discontinued service when a box has been obtained under
these provisions.

951.26 Fee Schedule

951.261  Fees.
Fees for post office box rental (see 951.21 for payment periods)
are as follows:

Box Size12345
      Per Semiannual Period
Group 1A$21.50$31.00$57.50$95.00$157.50
Group 1B 19.50 27.50 50.00 84.00 140.00
Group 1C 17.50 24.50 46.50 77.50 130.00
Group 2 --- --- 10.75 15.75  25.00
           Per Annual Period
Group 2 $7.25$11.25---------
Group 3  2.00  2.00  2.00  2.00  2.00


951.262
Box sizes are determined by the following cubic-inch capacities:


Box SizeCapacity


1      Under 296 cubic inches
2      296 through 499 cubic inches
3       500 through 999 cubic inches
4      1,000 through 1,999 cubic inches
5      2,000 or more cubic inches


951.27 Payment of Box Fee

951.271 Beginning Date.
Determine the beginning date for box fee payment periods by either of the
following:

a.
Option 1:  Payment may be made for any 6 or 12 consecutive months. The
beginning of a payment period is established on the date of the approval of
the application.

b.
Option 2:  Postmasters at Group 2 offices with less than 500 post
office boxes may establish April 1 and October 1 as the beginning of payment
periods for box customers in their offices.  For customers paying Group 3
fees, the annual period begins on October 1.  When this option is used,
payment periods beginning other than April 1 or October 1 for Group 2 offices
or October 1 for Group 3, are to be brought into alignment with these
respective dates by adjusting fees in accordance with 951.272c.

951.272 Fees Paid in Advance

a.
Box fees must be paid in advance for no less than one annual period for
Group 3 fees or for one and no more than two semiannual periods for Group 1 or
2 fees, except as provided by 951.252, and 951.272b  and
951.272c.  Fees may be paid by check to postmasters; however, checks
sent by mail must be received by the postmaster by the due date.

b.
United States Government agencies, whose payment period is on an annual
basis which coincides with the Federal fiscal year, may pay their box fees
during the first quarter rather than in advance.

c.
Postmasters who adopt option 2 (see 951.271b) adjust payment
periods as follows:

(1)
Group 2

(a)
For new service, charge one-sixth of the semiannual fee for each month
remaining between the beginning of the new payment period (as determined under
951.276) and the next April 1 or October 1.

(b)
For existing service, charge one-sixth of the semiannual fee for each month
remaining between the end of all currently paid periods and the next April 1
or October 1.

(2)
Group 3

(a)
For new service, charge one-twelfth of the annual post office box fee for
each month remaining between the beginning of the new payment period (as
determined under 951.276) and the next October 1.

(b)
For existing service, charge one-twelfth of the annual fee for each month
remaining between the end of the current payment period and the next October 1.

(3)
Round the total amount due, from adjustments made under this section, to
the next higher $0.10.

(4)
An adjustment made pursuant to option 2 may be accepted in addition to fees
for the next one or two semiannual payment periods for Group 2, or for the
next annual payment period for Group 3.

951.273 Receipt.
A Form 1538 is given for each box fee payment, except that box customers
who hold more than one box may be issued one receipt for the payment for all
their boxes.

951.274 Change of Payment Period Date.
Except for customers at facilities which have adopted option 2 (see
951.275), box customers of record may change their payment period by
submitting a new application with the month they wish to use as the start of
their revised payment period noted thereon.  The date selected must be before
the end of the current payment period.  The unused fee for the period being
discontinued may be refunded in accordance with 951.3, and the fee
for the new payment period must be fully paid in advance.  A change of payment
period date may not be used to circumvent a change in box fees.

951.275 Renewal of Service.
Box fees for renewal of service are due by the last day of the last month
of the service period.  Box customers, during the last 90 days of their
service period, may pay their fees for their next semiannual or annual payment
period as appropriate.  Postmasters may accept fee payments in advance for
more than 90 days.

951.276 Midmonth Adjustment.
The period for a new post office box, approved on or before the 15th of any
month, is from the first day of that month.  If a box is approved after the
15th day of the month, compute the period from the first day of the following
month.

951.28 Notices

951.281
Place Notice 32, Box Rent or Caller Service Fee Due,  in boxes 20
days before the fee is due.  If a box customer is temporarily out of town and
has filed a temporary forwarding order, send the notice to the customer.

951.282
Postmark notices before release to Government agencies paying fees on an
annual basis.  Notices must include the box numbers and the amount due for 1
year.

951.29 Past-Due Box Fee Procedures

a.
Plug the lock or change the combination if a post office box customer fails
to pay the fee by the due date or submits a change-of-address order or
otherwise indicates that the service is terminated.

b.
Prohibition of access to a key-type lock may be accomplished according to
the following diagram in Exhibit 951.29b.  *viewer dmm950.pcx*
 If key stops are available, use them.  If they are not available, use a
paper clip.  Do not order any key stops.  They are a discontinued item, but
may be used until stock on hand is exhausted.

]
DMM950
Exhibit 951.29b, Plugging Post Office Box Lock]


Exhibit 951.29b not shown

c.
Continue to distribute the mail to the box for up to 10 days. If, at the
end of that time the customer has not paid the fee or given other
instructions, remove the mail from the box.  Treat that mail and any
subsequent mail addressed to the customer at that box as undeliverable mail,
unless it is possible to deliver it by carrier or general delivery.

d.
At the end of 10 days, close the box if the customer has not paid the fee
or given other instructions.

e.
If the customer pays the fee, unplug the lock or notify the customer of the
new combination.

951.3 Refund of Box Fee

951.31
When a post office box is closed or surrendered, the unused portion of the
fee may be refunded as follows:

a.
No refund is made for any Group 3 fee.

b.
For Group 1 or 2 fees, except Group 2 Box Sizes 1 and 2

(1)
Process refunds in accordance with 147.34.

(2)
Refund the entire fee for a semiannual payment period subsequent to that in
which the service is discontinued.

(3)
Determine refunds for the payment period in which service is discontinued
as follows:

(a)
For service discontinued any time within the first 3 months (i.e., on or
before the last day of the third month) of the semiannual payment period,
refund one-half the semiannual fee for the discontinued box (see
951.26).

(b)
For service discontinued any time after the third month (i.e., on or after
the first day of the fourth month) of the semiannual payment period, do not
refund any part of the semiannual fee.

c.
For Group 2, Box Sizes 1 and 2

(1)
Process refunds in accordance with 147.34.

(2)
Determine refunds for the payment period as follows:

(a)
For service discontinued any time within the first 6 months (i.e., on or
before the last day of the sixth month) of the annual payment period, refund
one-half the annual fee for the discontinued box (see 951.26).

(b)
For service discontinued any time after the sixth month (i.e., on or after
the first day of the seventh month) of the annual payment period, do not
refund any part of the annual fee.
951.32
Consider a box to have been surrendered if

a.
the box customer submits a permanent change-of-address order;

b.
the box customer refuses or fails to pay the appropriate fees by the due
date; or

c.
the box customer submits a written notice to discontinue service.

951.33
A box is not considered to have been surrendered if

a.
the box customer dies or disappears before the end of the period for which
the box was issued;

b.
the box customer submits a temporary change-of-address order; or

c.
a change-of-address order is submitted by any person other than the box
customer for mail going to the box.

951.34
Former post office box customers of discontinued or relocated postal
facilities may obtain a refund of unused box fees whenever additional travel
of 1/4 of a mile (.4 kilometers) or more (from the address listed on the
applicable Form 1093) is required to obtain equivalent service.  For refunds
under this section, refund one-sixth of a semiannual fee for each month
remaining in the period.  If the effective date of the facility discontinuance
falls on or before the 15th of the month, compute the refund from the first
day of that month.  If the effective date is after the 15th of the month,
compute the refund from the first day of the following month.

951.35
A box may be issued to another customer 15 days after it has been closed by
a final decision of the Postal Service (see 951.8), 11 days after
surrender pursuant to 951.32b, and immediately following its
surrender pursuant to 951.32a or 951.32c.

951.4 Keys

951.41 Fee.
Issue keys for key-type post office boxes to box customers upon receipt of
payment of $1 for each key.  This applies to all keys, including those
initially issued to new box customers.

951.42 Issuance.
Provide box customers of key-type post office boxes with as many keys as
they need, if proper payment is made for each key issued (see
951.41).

951.43 Restrictions.
Customers using post office boxes are not permitted to obtain or use any
keys except those issued through the Postal Service.

951.44 New Keys.
Box customers may obtain additional or replacement keys by submitting Form
1094.  The appropriate key charge must be paid at the time of application (see
951.41).

951.45 Worn or Broken Keys.
Replace worn or broken keys without charge, if the keys are returned.

951.46 Refund of Key Fee.
Upon termination of the box service, the Postal Service refunds to box
customers the purchase price for up to two keys, if such keys are returned to
the post office where the box was issued.

951.47 Acceptance of Orders for Additional or New Keys.
Postmasters must not hold orders for new or additional keys (on Forms 1094)
more than 24 hours.  Key orders should not be consolidated except for general
orders for keys for an entire unit of post office boxes.  Process all orders
for keys as rapidly as possible.

951.48 Key Inventory Maintenance.
At least three keys must be provided for each key-locking post office box.
Keep at least one key on hand at all times for issuance upon submission by box
customer of Form 1094.  Upon issuance of the spare key, requisition a
replacement.  Withdraw keys in excess of reserve requirements, tag to indicate
the key or lock number, file numerically, and store in a safe place.

951.49 Notice to Return Keys.
When a box customer surrenders a box and fails to return all keys, send
Form 1099 to the former box customer's new address.

951.5 Locks

951.51 Broken Locks.
Do not use or issue boxes having broken locks.  When the lock on an
assigned box is broken, replace the lock and issue the same number of keys (at
no charge to the box customer) which were previously issued for the broken
lock.  Do not require box customers to change boxes or box numbers due to the
failure of postal equipment.

951.52 Changing Locks.
Always change the lock immediately when a key-type box is surrendered.

951.53 Changing Combinations.
When a keyless box is surrendered, change the combination before
reassignment.

951.6 Record of Box Customers

951.61 Files.
Keep a record of boxes and box customers on Form 1091-A filed as follows:

a.
A Form 1091-A for each vacant box in numeric sequence.

b.
A Form 1091-A for each box issued, by the month the fee is due, and in
numeric sequence within the month.

951.62 Inventory.
Prepare and maintain a master list of all post office boxes installed at
each facility.  The master list must be compared against all Forms 1091-A on
file by July 1 of each year.  When a Form 1091-A is not on file for an
issued box, a new form must be prepared and the appropriate post
office box fees collected.  When a Form 1091-A is not on file for a vacant
box, a new form must be prepared and placed in the vacant box file.  An
equivalent, existing post office box inventory system or box diagram showing
all installed boxes may be used instead of a master list.

951.63 Verification.
Facilities charging Group 1 fees under 951.222a must review their
inventory list for box customers who are being charged Group 2 fees to ensure
that those box customers are still eligible for those fees.  Postmasters or
their designees must ask all Group 2 box customers who have had a box for more
than a year to verify that the information on their Forms 1093 is still
current or to update their forms.  If the box customer is no longer eligible
for the Group 2 fees, but has already paid those fees for the current or next
period, do not charge the difference.  The facility must charge the Group 1
fee, however, beginning with the next period for which the fee is due.

951.7 Operations

951.71 Placing in Boxes.
Place mail addressed to post office boxes in proper boxes immediately after
distribution.  If the flow of the mail allows and no lengthy delays occur,
attempt to place larger items (such as newspapers, catalogs, and magazines) in
boxes before placing smaller items such as letter mail and flats in the boxes.

951.72 Withdrawal from Boxes.
Mail may be delivered to authorized persons who have forgotten their keys
or cannot open their boxes.  However, mail should not be handed out to persons
properly supplied with keys who can open their boxes but who make it a
practice of requesting that their mail be given to them.

951.73 Delivery by Carrier.
Do not remove mail from boxes of address for delivery by carrier unless box
service has been discontinued due to failure to pay fees.

951.74 Standards--Box Service.
If postmasters find that safety and security provisions allow it and there
is sufficient public demand, they may keep the box lobby open to the public 24
hours a day.

951.75 Change-of-Address Orders

951.751 Standard Procedure for Use in Facilities Without Central Markup
System

a.
When the number of Forms 3575 averages five or more per month, maintain a
change-of-address order book (supply Item 0-391-M) in the box and caller
section.

b.
Use a separate Form 1564 for each letter of the alphabet separated by Item
0-89B, Index.

c.
As Forms 3575 are received, post pertinent information chronologically on
an appropriate sheet.  Make appropriate entries on Forms 1564 whenever  former
box customers fail to furnish forwarding orders at the time they surrender a
post office box or when a box is closed for nonpayment of fee.

d.
Maintain one set of Forms 1564 at the office providing the service.

e.
After entry on Forms 1564, file Forms 3575 chronologically by months, or
alphabetically to permit withdrawal at the end of the month after requests are
2 years old.  (See 159.213 for forwarding time limit.)

f.
If the number of requests on Form 3575 averages less than 5 a month, follow
the same procedure except that Forms 3575 may be filed in alphabetical order
and used for reference purposes in lieu of a register.

951.752 Flag Boxes

a.
White labels identify post office boxes for which there are no entries on
Forms 1564.  Use a colored label or a colored dot or tab applied to a white
label to identify all boxes for which there ARE entries on Form 1564, and for
which mail may be received addressed to other than the current box customer.

b.
If a box has changed hands more than three times in the last year, use any
reasonable means in addition to colored labels or dots to identify this box as
one which probably receives mail addressed to other than the current box
customer.

c.
If desired, the dates on which colored labels should be replaced with white
labels, or dots or tabs removed from white labels, may be shown on the labels.
 Except for these dates, labels should show only information relating to the
name of the current box customer.  No data pertaining to the forwarding
address of the former box customer may be placed on labels either before or
after issuance of the box.

d.
Case all mail addressed to color-coded boxes, other than that addressed to
or in care of the current box customer, to a single separation for
determination of forwarding address from Forms 1564.  If no forwarding address
is on record, distribute the mail to the boxes as addressed unless the box
customer of record advises that mail for the addressee must not be placed in
the box.

e.
Treat mail rejected by the box customer as undeliverable mail, unless it
may be readily delivered by carrier.

f.
Replace colored labels with white labels or remove colored dots or tabs
from white labels immediately following the termination of a forwarding or
change-of-address order or as soon as it is apparent that the need for
color-coding no longer exists.

951.753 Who May File.
Change-of-address orders may only be filed by the box customer or
authorized representatives of the organization listed on the Form 1093.
Forwarding of mail for other persons is the responsibility of the box customer.

951.8 Refusal to Provide Service, Termination of Service, and Surrender of
Service

951.81 Refusal to Provide Service.
A postmaster may refuse to issue a post office box under any of the
following circumstances:

a.
The applicant has submitted a falsified application for box service.

b.
Within the 2 years immediately preceding submission of the application, the
applicant physically abused a box or violated a regulation relating to the
care or use of a box.

c.
There is substantial reason to believe that the box is to be used for
purposes that violate 951.163.

951.82 Termination of Service.
A postmaster may close a post office box when the box customer has

a.
falsified the application for the box;

b.
physically abused the box; or

c.
violated any regulation or condition relating to the care or use of the box.

951.83 Postmaster's Determination

951.831 Basis for Issuance.
When postmasters are satisfied that an application for commencement of
service should be denied pursuant to 951.81, or that service to a
box customer should be terminated pursuant to 951.82, they issue a
written Determination.

951.832 Content.
The Determination  must state the reasons for its issuance, and
also must contain the following statement:

You may file a petition opposing this Determination within 20 days
(Sundays and holidays included) after the date you receive it.  Your petition
must be in writing and include a statement of your reasons for opposing the
Determination.  Your petition, signed by you or your attorney, must be filed
in triplicate at the post office address given above.  This filing may be
accomplished by certified mail, or by delivering the petition to the above
address.  Obtain and keep a written receipt to show that your petition was
timely filed.  Your petition is forwarded to the Recorder, Judicial Officer
Department, USPS Headquarters, for appropriate action as set forth in 39 CFR
958.  If you do not file a timely petition, this Determination becomes the
final decision of the U.S. Postal Service in this matter.

951.833 Delivery.
The postmaster's Determination  must be delivered to the applicant
or box customer via certified mail, or by any other method, provided a signed
receipt is obtained from the addressee.  If such delivery cannot be effected
within 15 days after issuance of the Determination, it must be
delivered as ordinary mail, and the postmaster must make a written record of
the date of such delivery and the prior attempts made to deliver it.

951.84 Petition by Applicant or Box Customer

951.841 Procedure

a.
The applicant or box customer may file a petition opposing the postmaster's
Determination  within 20 days (Sundays and holidays included) after
delivery, in accordance with the instructions in the postmaster's
Determination  and with 39 CFR 958.

b.
The filing of a petition prevents the postmaster's Determination
from taking effect and transfers the case to the Judicial Officer Department,
U.S. Postal Service.  Thereafter, if a final decision on the merits is
rendered by the Judicial Officer Department pursuant to 39 CFR 958, it
constitutes the final decision of the U.S. Postal Service.

951.842 Effect

a.
After delivery of the Determination, the postmaster must take no
action to implement it for the 20-day period allowed for filing a petition,
and an additional 7 days.  If no petition is received by the 27th day, the
Determination takes effect, becoming the final decision of the Postal
Service.  The postmaster should retain documentation establishing the date and
method of delivery of the Determination for at least 1 year.

b.
On receipt of any petition, even if considered to be late or nonconforming,
the postmaster must immediately forward two copies to the Recorder, Judicial
Officer Department, USPS Headquarters.  He also forwards to the Assistant
General Counsel, Consumer Protection Division, Law Department, U.S. Postal
Service, Washington, D.C. 20260-1144, a report which includes the evidence
upon which the postmaster's Determination  was based and the proof of
delivery of the Determination  to the customer.

951.85 Surrender of Service.
A post office box is deemed surrendered when the box customer

a.
submits a permanent change-of-address order;

b.
fails or refuses to pay the pertinent fees due; or

c.
submits a written notice to discontinue the service.

951.86 Mail Addressed to a Closed Box.
When a post office box is closed by a final decision of the Postal Service,
the postmaster must give written notice to the box customer that mail
addressed to the box number is thereafter to be forwarded pursuant to a valid
change-of-address order, if one has been submitted, or transferred to general
delivery, for holding the time limit for forwarding.  At the end of the
applicable period, all mail so addressed is handled as undeliverable.
However, this procedure does not preclude compliance with the sender's request
for a specific retention period in accordance with 122.18.

952 Caller Service

952.1 Purpose and Definitions

952.11 Purpose.
Caller service is a premium service offered for a fee to those customers
who require more than free carrier or general delivery service, or are
required by this part to use caller service.  It permits customers to pick up
their mail at the post office call window or loading dock during the hours the
office is open.  Caller service does not include general delivery (953) or
firm holdout service (954).

952.12 Definitions

952.121
Caller service is provided through the use of a post office box number as
the address.

952.122
The term "Caller" applies to the following:

a.
The person who signs the application as an individual; or,

b.
The organization represented by the individual who signs the application on
behalf of that organization.

952.123
Destination caller service is caller service provided at the postal
facility to which the caller's mail is addressed.

952.124
Accelerated Reply Mail (origin caller service) is caller service provided
at a postal facility other than the one to which the caller's mail is
addressed.  Accelerated Reply Mail (origin caller service) is provided under
the name "Accelerated Reply Mail" (see 952.138).

952.13 General

952.131
Except as provided in 952.138 for origin caller service, a caller
number is assigned to the caller for each separation used, and the caller must
use the term "Post Office Box" (P.O. Box) and the assigned number in the
mailing address immediately above the city, state, and ZIP Code.  Lack of a
ZIP Code on the mail, or use of a ZIP Code other than that assigned to the box
section which provides the caller service, could result in delayed or
incorrect delivery.  Mail without a box number is delivered to the street
address, if shown on the mailpiece.  If no street address is shown, the mail
may be treated as undeliverable as addressed.  Mail bearing both a street
address and a box number is delivered in accordance with 122.2.

952.132
Caller service at Group 2 noncity delivery offices is available only as
provided by 952.222d(2).

952.133
A customer may obtain caller service for the purpose of receiving the mail
of a client.  Consider a caller number issued to such a customer as held by
the customer and not the client.  All restrictions or regulations provided in
153.2 are applicable to the provision of caller service under this
section.

952.134
No physical post office box may be used for purposes of providing a number
for a caller.  When a customer is converted to caller service, the following
apply:

a.
If the customer is using a post office box number, the post office box
number remains with the physical post office box and a caller service number
is assigned prior to the beginning of the caller service.

b.
All other customers are assigned a caller number prior to the beginning of
the caller service.

c.
Caller service numbers are assigned in accordance with Postal
Operations Manual 162.1c(2).

952.135
Caller service may be restricted by postmasters with approval of the
division manager if local conditions justify such restrictions.

952.136
Customers must use caller service under the following conditions:

a.
When a mail volume check, required by 951.162b, shows an overflow
for 12 out of 20 days and the customer does not change to a box of sufficient
capacity, the following provisions apply:

(1)
Determine the caller service payment period starting date as prescribed by
952.236 for a new payment period but, for purposes of this section,
compute the fee relative to the date on which the 12th overflow day occurred.
Determine the caller service payment period independently from the issue
period for any boxes held by the customer.  When Form 1091-B is prepared, it
must be flagged or identified to readily indicate that the caller service was
required under 951.162b.

(2)
A customer, required to use caller service because of 951.162b,
may submit a written request no more frequently than once in each semiannual
payment period for a followup check to determine if the overflow condition
still exists.  Conduct a followup check in accordance with the procedures in
951.162b, with the following modifications:

(a)
A followup check may be conducted at any time after the first month
(subject to the minimum frequency of once in any semiannual payment period).

(b)
Followup checks must be conducted for the full 20-day test period.  Section
3 of Form 1532 is not used in a followup check.

(c)
The volume of mail must be measured against the capacity of the customer's
box, if the actual box has been retained.  If the box has been given up, the
test for overflow must be measured against the capacity of other vacant boxes
in the facility.

(d)
If the record of a followup check on Form 1532 shows at least 12 out of 20
days overflow, notify the customer by completing block 3 of Section 4 to show
that caller service must be continued into the next payment period.  If the
record shows less than 12 days overflow, notify the customer by completing
block 4 of Section 4 to show that caller service may be discontinued at the
end of the current payment period and delivery reverted at that time to any
available box large enough to hold the customer's mail.

(3)
Any customer released from caller service as a result of the followup check
in this section is immediately subject to the checks required by
951.162b, upon resumption of box delivery.

b.
When customers wish more than five post office boxes in any one facility,
up to five post office boxes may be issued to one customer at the applicable
box fees.  Treat any additional separations utilized by the same customer as
caller service and apply to them the fees specified in 952.223b.

c.
Consider governmental organizations (i.e., departments, agencies,
commissions, bureaus, divisions, etc.) as separate customers for the purpose
of this section.  The various departments or schools within educational
institutions are also considered separate customers for the purposes of this
section.

952.137
Caller service may be provided to customers under the following conditions:

a.
To a new customer planning to receive (or expected to receive) too much
mail to be accommodated in the largest box available in the facility.

b.
To customers who, at their option, desire a post office box when none is
available, and postmasters determine that such service would not adversely
affect normal postal operations.

c.
To any customer who desires caller service instead of post office box
service, even though boxes of adequate size may be available, when the
provision of such service would not adversely affect normal postal operations.

952.138
Accelerated Reply Mail (origin caller service), whose customer benefits are
found in Notice 57, may be obtained if all the following conditions are met:

a.
Origin caller service must be obtained at an originating mail processing
facility that is fully automated to process prebarcoded mail (see Exhibit
122.63m).

b.
The caller's mail must meet all the requirements for prebarcoded
First-Class Mail set forth in 324.7, and must be certified by the
automation readability specialist at the origin facility where Accelerated
Reply Mail (ARM) is requested.  The barcode on the mailpiece must represent
the ZIP+4 code or the mailer's unique 5-digit ZIP Code printed on the
mailpiece.

c.
The caller's mail must bear a Facing Identification Mark (FIM A), as set
forth in sections 6.0 through 6.4 of Publication 25, A Guide to Business
Mail Preparation.

d.
Caller service must also be obtained at the destinating postal facility.
The address on all mailpieces to be received through ARM must be the post
office box address assigned where destination caller service is authorized.
Mailpieces that show a dual address must show only the post office box on the
line immediately above the city, state, and ZIP Code line.

e.
The mailer may either pick up ARM at the origin facility caller service
window or have it reshipped, via Express Mail Custom Designed Service, to the
destination caller service address or to another address specified by the
mailer in the Custom Designed Service Agreement (see 223).  To
change the destination address on the Custom Designed Service Agreement, the
mailer is required to provide a 30-day advance notice and submit an amended
ARM application, completing only the "Applicant Information" (1 through 8) and
"Express Mail Reship" (12 through 17).

f.
An applicant for ARM must comply with the procedures in 952.15.

g.
An applicant who is a commercial mail-receiving agent must also comply with
153.212.

952.14 Reservation of Caller Numbers

a.
Callers of record may reserve caller numbers for future use. Postmasters
determine which numbers may be reserved and may restrict this service in
accordance with local conditions.  The fee for this special service is
detailed in 952.21.

b.
If a caller has reserved a number and subsequently receives mail separated
to that number or otherwise notifies the post office that he intends to begin
receiving mail addressed and separated to that number, then charge the
appropriate semiannual fee for caller service.  Do not return the reservation
fee or any part of the reservation fee.  If the customer continues to receive
mail addressed for separation to the reserved number, charge the appropriate
caller fee and do not charge a reservation fee for the next year. (Note
exceptions in 952.222b.)

952.15  Obtaining Service

952.151  Application

a.
A Form 1093 is used to request caller service.  Customers may obtain blank
applications at any post office.  An applicant must complete all spaces on the
form which require customer-provided information.  Furnishing false
information on the application or refusal to furnish required information on
the application may be sufficient reason for denial of the application or
discontinuation of service.

b.
A completed application for destination caller service may be submitted to
any postal facility which provides window service to the public; the facility
need not be the same as that at which the destination caller service is
desired.

c.
In addition to Form 1093, an applicant for Accelerated Reply Mail (origin
caller service) must also complete Form 8061 and submit both forms to the
facility where Accelerated Reply Mail (origin caller service) is desired.
Form 8061 may be obtained from the applicant's account representative or from
the Business Requirements Division, Office of Classification and Rates
Administration, USPS Headquarters.

d.
The employee who accepts an application takes the following actions:

(1)
Performs the verification procedures in 952.152a or
952.152b.

(2)
Dates the application on the reverse side with an Item 570, All Purpose
Dating Stamp.

(3)
If caller service is desired at a postal facility other than that at which
the application is submitted, forward the application to the postmaster of the
facility where the service is desired.

e.
The postmaster of the facility where caller service is to be provided takes
the following actions:

(1)
Approves or denies the application.

(2)
Notifies the applicant of the decision and the reason for any denial.

(3)
If the application is approved, assign a caller number upon receipt of the
proper fee.  Normally, if the address shown on the application is a local
address, a caller number is assigned at the facility serving that address; or,
if an out-of-town address is shown, a caller number is assigned at the main
office station.  Other arrangements may be made at the discretion of the
postmaster.

952.152  Verification of Application for Destination Caller Service.
An application for caller service may not be approved until the application
has been verified.

a. Known Applicant.
Consider the application of a known applicant to be verified upon
submission of Form 1093.

b. Unknown Applicant

(1)
An unknown applicant must present valid identification with the
application.  The following are examples of acceptable identification:

(a)
Driver's license.

(b)
Military, Government, or an established corporate identification card.

(c)
Passport.

(d)
Other credential showing the applicant's signature and a serial number or
other indicia which can be traced to the bearer.

Note:  Social Security cards are not acceptable as identification.

(2)
Consider an application verified if there is no discrepancy between
information on the application and on the identification presented.  If the
information on the application does not match that on the identification,
verification procedures must be followed to substantiate that the applicant
resides or conducts business at the address shown.  Complete this verification
within 3 workdays.

c. Assignment.
A caller service number is assigned immediately upon approval of the
application and receipt of the caller service fee.

952.153  Verification of Application for Accelerated Reply Mail (Origin
Caller Service).
Accelerated Reply Mail (origin caller service) must not be provided until
the following steps are completed:

a.  Applicant.
The applicant presents valid identification.

b.  Documentation.
If the applicant is applying in behalf of an organization or as an agent
for another person or organization, satisfactory documentation to confirm that
representation is approved.

c.  Confirmation.
The applicant's destination caller service number and authorization are
confirmed.

d.  Appropriate Facility.
The availability of Accelerated Reply Mail (origin caller service) at the
facility where the service is requested is confirmed.

e.  Scheduling.
Upon verification of the above information, the applicant must be informed
of the beginning date for the Accelerated Reply Mail (origin caller service).
Depending upon the schedule for updating the facility's barcode sorter
sortation schemes, the beginning date must be no later than 30 days after the
date of approval of the application on Form 8061.

f.  Assignment.
An Accelerated Reply Mail (origin caller service) number is assigned upon
approval of the application and receipt of the caller service fee.

952.16 Changing Locations

952.161  Destination Caller Service.
Caller service may be transferred without payment of an additional fee to a
different facility of the same post office, if caller service is available at
the other facility.  To obtain such a transfer, the caller must submit a new
application on Form 1093 either to the location where service was originally
provided or to the facility where service is desired.  A caller may transfer
no more than once in any semiannual payment period and must submit a Form 3575
at the time of transfer.  Forms 1091-B must be endorsed at the old and new
locations to show that the service and the payment period have been
transferred.  Requests involving a change in service (such as converting to a
post office box), transfer to a different post office, or for more than one
transfer in any semiannual payment period, must be handled as new service with
the current service subject to the refund provisions of 952.26.  The
exchange of information required by this section between facilities should be
made by telephone, if possible.

952.162  Accelerated Reply Mail (Origin Caller Service).
An authorization for Accelerated Reply Mail (origin caller service) may not
be transferred to a different facility.

952.17 Minors.
Caller service may be extended to minors, unless parents or guardians
object to this service in writing to the postmaster.

952.18 Conditions of Use

952.181 Receipt of Mail.
An individual caller or organization may receive mail properly addressed to
the caller number.

952.182 Mail Addressed to a Caller Number.
Mail addressed only to a caller number is delivered to the caller as long
as no improper or unlawful business is conducted.

952.183 Updating Application Form.
Whenever any information required on Form 1093 changes or becomes obsolete,
the caller must file a revised application reflecting such changes (see
952.42).

952.19 Restrictions on Use

952.191 Unlawful Activity.
Caller service may not be used for, or in connection with, a scheme or
enterprise which

a.
violates any Federal, state, or local law;

b.
breaches an agreement with a Federal, state, or local agency whereby the
caller has agreed to discontinue a specified activity; or

c.
violates or attempts to evade any order of a court or administrative body.

952.192 Forwarding.
Caller numbers may not be used when the sole purpose is, by subsequently
filing change-of-address orders, to have mail forwarded or transferred to
another address by the Postal Service free of charge.

952.193 Holding Period.
The holding period for mail addressed to a caller service number is
specified in 159.326.

952.2 Fees

952.21 Reserved Number Fee.
The fee for each number reserved by a customer is $25 per postal calendar
year or any part of such a calendar year.

952.22 Caller Service Fees

952.221 When Fees Are Effective.
Caller service fees may be revised in connection with a general change in
postal rates and fees.  Caller service fee revisions are effective at the same
time as the general increase, unless another date is specified in an official
announcement.  If the caller service fee is increased, no retroactive
adjustment is to be made for payments made before the effective date of the
revision.

952.222 Basic Caller Service Fee

a.  General Rule.
The applicable fee for caller service shown in 952.222c must be
paid semiannually for each caller number or separation used.  A separate basic
fee must be paid for each facility where Accelerated Reply Mail (origin caller
service) is provided.

b.  Fee Categories.
Caller service fees are divided into three categories as listed in
Exhibit 951.222.  Customers must pay the category of fee that
corresponds to the post office where caller service is used.

c.  Fee



CategoryFee
1A$225.00
1B 215.00
1C 202.50



d. Exceptions

(1)
If a caller utilizes many caller numbers, but receives only a bulk delivery
of mail, not separated to those numbers either because this mail is sorted to
a unique 5-digit ZIP Code held only by the customer or because sortation is
made by caller name or other identification, then charge the caller the basic
caller fee for each separation actually made.  Also, charge the customer the
reserved-number fee for each of the caller numbers to which mail received by
the caller is addressed.

(2)
Caller service is provided for Group 2 noncity-delivery offices only if a
customer desires delivery through a post office box, and either no post office
box or no post office box of appropriate size is available.  In that event,
assign a single box number and provide caller service.  The caller fee is the
same amount as the box fee for the largest box at that facility. Prorate fees
when necessary as provided in 951.252.  Charge regular caller
service fees for any additional separations requested.

e. Local Agreements.
No local agreements between postmasters and caller service customers may be
established which in any way contravene the provisions of these regulations
with respect to the determination or collection of caller service fees.
952.223 Caller Numbers Which Are Also Assigned to a Post Office Box

a.
If a caller presently uses a physical post office box for purposes of
obtaining a caller number, then he must pay the appropriate fee for the post
office box in addition to the caller service fee.

b.
Customers presently holding more than five post office boxes in any one
facility must pay the appropriate fee for each post office box plus a caller
service fee for each post office box they hold in excess of five.

952.23 Payment

952.231 Payment Period.
The Postal Service has established semiannual payment periods for caller
fees.  Payment may be made for any 6 or 12 consecutive months.  The beginning
of a payment period is established on the date of the approval of the
application for caller service.

952.232  Fees Paid in Advance.
Caller fees must be paid in advance for no less than one and no more than
two semiannual periods.  Fees may be paid by check to postmasters.  Payments
for destination caller service sent by mail must be received by the postmaster
by the due date.  Payments for Accelerated Reply Mail (origin caller service)
must be received at least 45 days in advance of the applicable semiannual
period.

952.233 Receipt.
A Form 1538 is given for each caller payment, except that callers who hold
more than one caller number may be issued one receipt for payment for all
their caller numbers.  Maintain a separate list of multiple-number customers
showing numbers used, customer name, fee charged and normal due date for each.
 Mark each receipt with the number (count) of caller numbers paid for at one
time.

952.234 Change of Payment Period Date.
Callers of record may change their payment period by submitting a new
application with the month they wish to use as the start of their revised
payment period noted thereon.  The date selected must be before the end of the
current payment period.  The unused fee for the period being discontinued may
be refunded in accordance with 952.26, and the fee for the new
payment period must be fully paid in advance.  A change of payment dates may
not be used to circumvent a change in caller-service fees.

952.235  Renewal of Service

a.  Destination Caller Service.
Fees for renewal of destination caller service are due by the last day of
the last month of the current period.  During the last 30 days of their
service period, callers may pay their fees for their next semiannual or annual
payment period, as appropriate.  Postmasters may accept fee payments more than
30 days in advance.

b.  Accelerated Reply Mail (Origin Caller Service).
Payment of the fee for renewal of Accelerated Reply Mail (origin caller
service) is due at least 45 days before the last day of the last month of the
current period.  Payment may be made for the next semiannual or annual period,
as appropriate.

952.236 Adjustment for Midmonth Payment.
The payment period for a new caller service started on or before the 15th
of any month is from the first day of that month.  If service is started after
the 15th day of the month, compute the period from the first day of the
following month.

952.237  Record of Callers

a.
A record of destination service callers must be kept by the authorizing
post office using Form 1091-B.  Forms 1091-B are filed for each number or
group of numbers assigned to the same caller which falls due in the same
month, by the month the payment is due, and in numeric sequence.

b.
Separate records of Accelerated Reply Mail (origin caller service) also
must be maintained on Form 1091-B.

c.
Prepare and maintain a master list of all assigned caller-service numbers,
including multiple post office box/caller service users, and reserved caller
numbers at each facility.  The master list must be compared against all Forms
1091-B on file by July 1 of each year.  When a Form 1091-B is not on file for
an assigned number, a new form must be prepared and the appropriate fees
collected.  When a Form 1091-B is not on file for a reserved number, a new
form must be prepared and placed in file.  An equivalent, existing
caller-service number inventory system showing all assigned numbers may be
used instead of a master list.

952.24  Notice of Payment Due.
Notice 32, Box Rent or Caller Service Fee Due, is distributed to
destination caller service customers 20 days before the fee is due.  If
callers are temporarily out of town, and they have filed a temporary
forwarding order, the notices must be sent to them.  No advance notice of
payment due is provided to Accelerated Reply Mail (origin caller service)
customers.

952.25  Past-Due Caller Fee Procedures

952.251
If a destination caller service customer fails to pay the fee by the due
date, does not submit a change-of-address order, and does not attempt to
obtain the mail, the mail is retained for no more than 10 days, and then is
treated as undeliverable mail unless it can be readily delivered by carrier.

952.252
If a destination caller service customer fails to pay the fee by the due
date, does not submit a change-of-address order, and attempts to obtain the
mail within 10 days, the caller or agent must be informed that at the end of
the 10th day after the due date, if payment or a change-of-address order is
not received, the mail is delivered to the street address.  The caller or
agent must also be informed that the caller loses the use of the post office
caller number and may not obtain this mail at the postal facility.  The caller
is given the mail until the end of the 10-day period; but, during that period,
may not be provided more than one separation (if multiple separations had been
provided previously).

952.253
If an Accelerated Reply Mail (origin caller service) customer fails to pay
the fee at least 45 days in advance, a notice of nonpayment is sent to the
caller by certified mail, return receipt requested.  If payment is not
received by the 30th day before the end of the current payment period, the
caller is notified in writing that the barcode sortation scheme is revised to
eliminate the separation for the caller.  Once that change is made, the caller
must reapply to obtain further Accelerated Reply Mail (origin caller service).

952.26  Refund of Caller Service Fee

952.261
When a destination caller service number is discontinued, the unused
portion of the fee for that number may be refunded as follows:

a.
Refunds are processed in accordance with 147.34.

b.
Refund the entire fee for a semiannual payment period subsequent to that in
which the service is discontinued.

c.
Determine refunds for the payment period in which service is discontinued
as follows:

(1)
For service discontinued any time within the first 3 months (i.e., on or
before the last day of the third month) of the semiannual payment period, the
amount refunded is half the semiannual caller service fee specified in
952.222a.

(2)
No refund is made when service is discontinued any time after the third
month (i.e., on or after the first day of the fourth month) of the semiannual
payment period.

952.262
Former destination caller service customers of discontinued or relocated
postal facilities may obtain a refund of unused caller-service fees whenever
additional travel of a 1/4 mile (0.4 kilometer) or more (from the address
listed on the applicable Form 1093) is required to obtain equivalent service.
For refunds under this section, refund one-sixth of a semiannual fee for each
month remaining in the payment period.  If the effective date of the facility
discontinuance falls on or before the 15th of the month, compute the refund
from the first day of that month.  If the effective date is after the 15th day
of the month, compute the refund from the first day of the following month.

952.263
No refund is made for the remaining portion of the current fee period if a
caller discontinues Accelerated Reply Mail (origin caller service).  A refund
of fees paid for a future period is made.

952.3 Mail Pickup

952.31 Multipickup Callers.
Callers who, as a regular practice, desire to call at a postal facility for
their mail more than once in any 24-hour period must make provisions with the
postmaster for the establishment of a proper and reasonable schedule of
pickup.  Postmasters determine the times and places most satisfactory to the
post office.

952.32 Hours.
Provide caller service during normal hours of business.  Caller service may
be provided at all other hours during which mail is undergoing distribution
within the facility, if it is consistent with normal operations.

952.4 Refusal to Provide Service, Termination of Service, and Surrender of
Service

952.41 Refusal to Provide Service.
A postmaster may deny an application of caller service under any of the
following circumstances:

a.
The applicant has submitted a falsified application for the service.

b.
Within the 2 years immediately preceding submission of the application, the
applicant violated a regulation relating to use of the service.

c.
There is substantial reason to believe that the service is to be used for
purposes that violate 952.191.

952.42 Termination of Service.
A postmaster may terminate caller service when the caller has

a.
falsified the application for the service; or

b.
violated any regulation or condition relating to use of the service.

952.43 Postmaster's Determination

952.431 Basis for Issuance.
When a postmaster is satisfied that an application for commencement of
caller service should be denied pursuant to 952.41, or that service
to a caller should be terminated pursuant to 952.42, the postmaster
issues a written Determination.

952.432 Content.
The Determination must state the reasons for its issuance, and also
must contain the following statement:

You may file a petition opposing this Determination within 20 days
(Sundays and holidays included) after the date you receive it.  Your petition
must be in writing and include a statement of your reasons for opposing the
Determination.  Your petition, signed by you or your attorney, must be filed
in triplicate at the post office address given above.  This filing may be
accomplished by certified mail, or by delivering the petition to the above
address.  Obtain and keep a written receipt to show that your petition was
timely filed.  Your petition is forwarded to the Recorder, Judicial Officer
Department, USPS Headquarters, for appropriate action as set forth in 39 CFR
958.  If you do not file a timely petition, this Determination becomes the
final decision of the U.S. Postal Service in this matter.

952.433 Delivery.
The postmaster's Determination must be delivered to the applicant
or caller via certified mail, or by any other method provided a signed receipt
is obtained from the addressee.  If such delivery cannot be effected within 15
days after issuance of the Determination, it must be delivered as
ordinary mail and the postmaster must make a written record of the date of
such delivery and the prior attempts made to deliver it.

952.44 Petition by Applicant or Caller

952.441 Procedure

a.
The applicant or caller may file a petition opposing the postmaster's
Determination  within 20 days (Sundays and holidays included) after
delivery, in accordance with the instructions in the postmaster's
Determination  and with 39 CFR 958.

b.
The filing of a petition prevents the postmaster's Determination
from taking effect and transfers the case to the Judicial Officer Department,
U.S. Postal Service.  Thereafter, if a final decision on the merits is
rendered by the Judicial Officer Department pursuant to 39 CFR 958, it
constitutes the final decision of the U.S. Postal Service.

952.442 Effect

a.
After delivery of the Determination, the postmaster takes no action
to implement it for the 20-day period allowed for filing a petition, and an
additional 7 days.  If a petition is not received by the 27th day, the
Determination takes effect, becoming the final decision of the Postal
Service.  The postmaster should retain documentation establishing the date and
method of delivery of the Determination for at least 1 year.

b.
On receipt of any petition, even if considered to be late or nonconforming,
the postmaster immediately forwards two copies to the Recorder, Judicial
Officer Department, USPS Headquarters.  The postmaster also forwards to the
Assistant General Counsel, Consumer Protection Division, Law Department, USPS
Headquarters, a report that includes the evidence upon which the postmaster's
Determination was based and the proof of delivery of the
Determination to the customer.

952.45 Surrender of Service.
Caller service is deemed surrendered when the caller

a.
submits a permanent change-of-address order;

b.
fails or refuses to pay the pertinent fee due; or

c.
submits a written notice to discontinue the service.

952.46  Disposition of Mail

952.461  Destination Caller Service.
When destination caller service is terminated by a final decision of the
Postal Service, the postmaster must give written notice to the caller that
mail addressed to him at the caller number is thereafter to be forwarded
pursuant to a valid change-of-address order, if one has been submitted, or
transferred to general delivery for holding the current time limit for
forwarding.  At the end of the applicable period, all mail so addressed is
handled as undeliverable.  However, this procedure does not preclude
compliance with the sender's request for a specific retention period in
accordance with 122.18.

952.462  Accelerated Reply Mail (Origin Caller Service).
When Accelerated Reply Mail (origin caller service) is surrendered by the
customer or terminated by the Postal Service, mail continues to be separated
for the Accelerated Reply Mail (origin caller service) until the barcode
sortation schemes can be revised to permit the mail to be processed to the
destination address on the mail.

953 General Delivery

953.1 Description.
General delivery is primarily intended for use at offices without carrier
delivery service, at noncity-delivery offices for customers who prefer not to
use post office box service (see 951.24), and at any office to serve
transients and customers who are not permanently located.

953.2 Availability.
Customers who expect mail addressed to general delivery, but who intend to
remain for 30 days or more in an area served by a city delivery office, should
file their name and street address at the post office so that mail may be
delivered by carrier, or they should obtain a post office box.  Postmasters at
city delivery offices may for good reasons allow customers to receive their
mail through general delivery.

953.3 Delivery.
Place mail endorsed "Transient, to be Called for General Delivery," or by
other appropriate words in the general delivery case to be delivered to the
addressee upon presentation of identification.  Inbound foreign-originated
articles may be endorsed "Poste Restante," which is French for "General
Delivery."

953.4 Retention.
Retain general delivery mail for no more than 30 days, unless otherwise
requested.  Return accountable mail at the end of 30 days in accordance with
159.325.

954 Firm Holdouts

954.1  Description.
Firm holdout service allows a customer to obtain street addressed mail from
the post office under the following conditions:

a.
When a customer normally receives 50 letters or more on the first delivery
trip.

b.
When the customer is a news agent or publisher's representative and
receives publications which qualify for newspaper treatment (see
432).

c.
Seasonal firm holdout customers should adjust their requests to those
periods of not less than 3 consecutive months when their mail deliveries are
highest.

954.2  Request.
The customer must complete a Form 3801 and include the signature of each
employee or designated agent authorized to pick up the mail.

954.3  Fee.
No fee is charged for this method of delivery.

954.4  Approval.
Upon the postmaster's approval of a firm holdout request, based on the
availability of resources, the customer may pick up mail at a postal unit once
each delivery day.  The postmaster specifies the time and place of delivery of
this mail.

954.5  Additional Deliveries.
Carriers do not make a first delivery to customers receiving a firm
holdout.  They may make subsequent delivery of mail where such service is
provided by multiple trip routes.

954.6  Cancellation

954.61  By the Postmaster.
The postmaster may cancel firm holdout service when the volume of mail
falls below the 50-piece volume requirement on each delivery day over a 30-day
period or when the mail is not picked up for 10 consecutive days and the
customer has not made specific arrangements with the postmaster to hold the
mail.  Postmasters must not consider a customer's request for renewal of a
firm holdout, which had been canceled by the postmaster, for 1 year from the
time of cancellation.

954.62  By the Customer.
A customer may cancel a firm holdout at any time.  Deliver such mail to the
street address in accordance with 155, 156, or
157, as appropriate.

954.7  Other Deliveries.
In all other cases, provide the service described in 951,
952, or 953 to customers who wish to call for their mail at
a postal unit.



