PULL THIS PAGE 130 Mail Classification 131 Responsibilities 131.1 Mailer Awareness. Domestic mail is classified according to size, weight, contents, and service. Chapters 2 through 7 describe the various classes of mail and the qualifications, preparation requirements, and services provided for each class. Chapter 9 describes the special mail services which are available on certain classes of mail. Mailers should familiarize themselves with the qualifications, requirements, and conditions governing the classification of their mail as well as the special mail services available to them. 131.2 Assistance by Postal Personnel. Questions regarding the proper classification of mail matter and use of special mail services should be directed to local postal officials. Rates and classification centers (RCCs) have been established to assist local post offices in responding to mail classification questions. However, the burden rests with mailers to ensure that they have complied with all prescribed laws and regulations. 131.3 Unauthorized Decisions. Postmasters or other managers at associate offices, sectional center facilities, management sectional centers, field division offices, or other field facilities or regional offices may not under any circumstances suspend or grant any form of waiver or exception to Domestic Mail Manual mail preparation or classification requirements. Mailers must comply with all applicable postal requirements in 111.3 and 131.2. Any mailer's request for an exception to mail preparation or classification requirements must be referred immediately to the rates and classification center. 132 Rates and Classification Centers New York, NY 10095-9599 (continued)] Rates and Classification Center Office of Classification and Rates Administration New York, NY 10095-9599 SERVICE AREA DivisionsReporting Offices3-Digit ZIP Code Service Area Westchester, NYWestchester, NY004, 105-109 Mid-Hudson, NY124-127 Stamford, CT068-069 Western New York, NY Buffalo, NY140-143, 147 Rochester, NY144-146, 148-149 Albany, NYAlbany, NY120-123, 128-129, 133-135 Syracuse, NY130-132, 136-139 New York City, NYNew York, NY090-098, 100-102, 104 Long Island, NYLong Island, NY005, 115, 117-119 Brooklyn-Queens, NY Queens, NY103, 110-114, 116 AMF-JFK003, 11430-9998 Manchester, NHManchester, NH030-038 Portland, ME039-049 Springfield, MASpringfield, MA010-013 White River Jct., VT050-054, 056-059 Springfield BMC Boston, MABoston, MA020-022 Middlesex-Essex, MA018-019, 055 Providence, RIProvidence, RI027-029 Worcester, MA014-017 Brockton, MA023-026 Hartford, CTHartford, CT060-062, 067 New Haven, CT063-066 Newark, NJNewark, NJ070-073 NJ-INTL & BMC New Brunswick, NJNew Brunswick, NJ077-079, 088-089 Paterson, NJ074-076 Trenton, NJ085-087 Caribbean, PRSan Juan, PR006-009 Alexandria, VA 22303-2736 (continued)] Rates and Classification Center Office of Classification and Rates Administration Alexandria, VA 22303-2736 SERVICE AREA DivisionsReporting Offices3-Digit ZIP Code Service Area Pittsburgh, PAPittsburgh, PA150-154, 156, 260 Johnstown, PA155, 157, 159, 166, 168 Erie, PA158, 160-165, 167 Pittsburgh BMC Harrisburg, PAHarrisburg, PA169-172, 177-178 Lancaster, PA173-176,179, 195-196 Lehigh Valley, PA180-188 Philadelphia, PAPhiladelphia, PA190-192, 213 Philadelphia BMC South Jersey, NJSouth Jersey, NJ080-084 Southeastern, PA189, 193-194 Baltimore, MDBaltimore, MD210-212, 214-215, 217, 219 Wilmington, DE197-199, 216, 218 So. Maryland, MDSouthern Maryland, MD206-207 Suburban Maryland, MD208-209 Washington, DC200, 202-205 Washington BMC No. Virginia, VANorthern Virginia, VA220-223, 226 Richmond, VARichmond, VA224-225, 227-232, 238-239, 244 Norfolk, VA233-237 Roanoke, VA240-243, 245 Charleston, WVCharleston, WV246-253, 255-259, 266 Clarksburg, WV254, 261-265, 267-268 Greensboro, NCGreensboro, NC270-274, 286 Charlotte, NC280-282, 287-289, 297 Raleigh, NC275-279 Greensboro BMC Columbia, SCColumbia, SC290-292 Greenville, SC293, 296 Charleston, SC294-295 Fayetteville, NC283-285 Louisville, KYLouisville, KY400-402, 421-422, 427, 471 Lexington, KY403-409, 411-418 425-426 Evansville, IN420, 423-424, 476-477 Cleveland, OHCleveland, OH440-441 Akron, OH442-443, 446-447 Youngstown, OH439, 444-445 Columbus, OHColumbus, OH430-433, 437-438, 448-449, 456-457 Toledo, OH434-436 Cincinnati, OHCincinnati, OH410,450-452, 459, 470 Dayton, OH453-455, 458 Cincinnati BMC Memphis, TN 38165-9599 (continued)] Rates and Classification Center Office of Classification and Rates Administration Memphis, TN 38165-9599 SERVICE AREA DivisionsReporting Offices3-Digit ZIP Code Service Area Memphis, TNMemphis, TN375, 380-383, 723 Tupelo, MS386-389, 397 Memphis BMC Little Rock, ARLittle Rock, AR716-722, 724 Fort Smith, AR725-729 Tyler, TX755-759 Jackson, MSJackson, MS369, 390-393 Baton Rouge, LA705-708 Shreveport, LA710-714 Nashville, TNNashville, TN307, 370-374, 384-385 Knoxville, TN376-379 Oklahoma City, OKOklahoma City, OK730-731, 734-738,748 Tulsa, OK740-741, 743-747, 749 Lubbock, TX739, 790-794 San Antonio, TXSan Antonio, TX780-782, 788 Corpus Christi, TX779, 783-785 Austin, TX733, 765-767, 786-787, 789 Tampa, FLTampa, FL335-339, 342, 346 Orlando, FL327-328, 347 Houston, TXHouston, TX770-778 Miami, FLMiami, FL330-333, 340 W. Palm Beach, FL329, 334, 349 New Orleans, LANew Orleans, LA700-701, 703-704 Pensacola, FL 324-325 Mobile, AL363-366 Gulfport, MS394-396 Jacksonville, FLJacksonville, FL320-323, 326 Savannah, GA298-299, 304, 308-309, 313-315 Jacksonville BMC Birmingham, ALBirmingham, AL350-352, 354-359, 362 Montgomery, AL360-361, 367-368 Macon, GA310, 312, 316-319 Atlanta, GAAtlanta, GA300-303, 305-306, 311 Atlanta BMC Dallas, TXDallas, TX750-754, 762 Fort Worth, TX760-761, 763-764, 768-769, 795-796 Dallas BMC Chicago, IL 60698-9599 (continued)] Rates and Classification Center Office of Classification and Rates Administration Chicago, IL 60698-9599 SERVICE AREA DivisionsReporting Offices3-Digit ZIP Code Service Area Chicago, ILChicago, IL606-608 Chicago BMC AMF O'Hare60666-9998 Only North Suburban, ILNorth Suburban, IL600-603 Rockford, IL610-611 South Suburban, ILSouth Suburban, IL604-605, 609 Peoria, IL613-617 Springfield, IL618-619, 625-627 Wichita, KSWichita, KS670-673, 675, 678-679 Topeka, KS664-666, 668-669, 674, 676-677 Kansas City, KS660-662, 667 Kansas City BMC Twin Cities, MNMinneapolis, MN553-555, 560-562 St. Paul, MN540, 546-548 550-551, 559 Duluth, MN556-558,563-564, 566 Minneapolis/St. Paul BMC Kansas City, MOKansas City, MO640-641, 644-647, 649 Columbia, MO623, 634-635, 650-653 Springfield, MO636-639, 648, 654-658 St. Louis, MOSt. Louis, MO620, 622, 624, 628-633 St. Louis BMC Omaha, NEOmaha, NE515-516, 680-681, 683-687 North Platte, NE688-693 Rapid City, SD575-577 Sioux Falls, SD570-574 Bismarck, ND583-588 Fargo, ND580-582, 565, 567 Denver, CODenver, CO800-807 Colo. Springs, CO808-812 Grand Junction, CO813-816 Cheyenne, WY820-831 Denver BMC Des Moines, IADes Moines, IA500-505, 508-514 Cedar Rapids, IA506-507,520-528, 612 Des Moines BMC Milwaukee, WIMilwaukee, WI530-532, 534 Madison, WI535, 537-539, 549 Green Bay, WI498-499, 541-545 Detroit, MIDetroit, MI481-482 Royal Oak, MI480, 483 Detroit BMC Grand Rapids, MIGrand Rapids, MI490-491, 493-497 Lansing, MI484-489, 492 Indianapolis, INIndianapolis, IN460-462, 469, 472-474 Ft. Wayne, IN465-468 Terre Haute, IN475, 478-479 Gary, IN463-464 San Bruno, CA 94096-9599 (continued)] Rates and Classification Center Office of Classification and Rates Administration San Bruno, CA 94096-9599 SERVICE AREA DivisionsReporting Offices3-Digit ZIP Code Service Area Anchorage, AKAnchorage, AK995-997 Juneau, AK998-999 Honolulu, HIHonolulu, HI967-969 San Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA940-944, 962-966 San Francisco BMC Oakland, CAOakland, CA945-948 North Bay, CA949, 954-955 Sacramento, CASacramento, CA956-960 Reno, NV894-895, 897, 961 Stockton, CA952-953 San Jose, CASan Jose, CA939, 950-951 Fresno, CA936-938 Bakersfield, CA932-933 Van Nuys, CAVan Nuys, CA910-916, 935 Santa Barbara, CA930-931, 934 Santa Ana, CASanta Ana, CA926-928 Alhambra, CA917-918 Long Beach, CALong Beach, CA906-908 Inglewood, CA902-905 Los Angeles BMC San Diego, CASan Diego, CA919-921 San Bernardino, CA922-925 Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA900-901 Seattle, WASeattle, WA980-982, 987 Tacoma, WA983-985, 988-989 Spokane, WA835, 838, 990-994 Seattle BMC Portland, ORPortland, OR970-973, 977-978, 986 Eugene, OR974-976 Phoenix, AZPhoenix, AZ850, 852-853, 860, 863-864 Las Vegas, NV889-891 Tucson, AZTucson, AZ855-857, 859, 879-880 El Paso, TX797-799, 885 Albuquerque, NM865, 870-875, 877-878, 881-884 Salt Lake City, UTSalt Lake City, UT840-847, 893, 898 Billings, MT590-595 Missoula, MT596-599 Boise, ID832-834, 836-837, 979 133 Appeal of a Contested Classification 133.1 Classification by Local Post Office. If a mailer disagrees with a classification decision made by a local post office, the mailer may make a written appeal to the postmaster within 30 days. The postmaster must forward the appeal to the appropriate rates and classification center (RCC), which issues the final agency decision (for a list of RCCs, see 132). Only the general manager, RCC, may rule on such an appeal and on any appeal or initial request for a ruling that concerns an exception to a regulation in the Domestic Mail Manual. A mailer who receives an adverse ruling from a post office may request the general manager, RCC, to provide an expedited oral decision on appeal, which is then confirmed later in writing. This request for an expedited appeal may be made by telephone. The general manager, RCC, or the general manager's designee determines whether the appeal or individual questions raised by the appeal can be decided on an expedited basis. 133.2 Classification by Rates and Classification Center. Any mail classification decision made initially by the general manager of any rates and classification center or by the general manager of any division within the Office of Classification and Rates Administration may be appealed within 15 days to the Director, Office of Classification and Rates Administration. Only the Director, Office of Classification and Rates Administration, may rule on an appeal of a classification decision made under this section. 133.3 Classification While Appeal is Pending. When applicable, pending resolution of an appeal, the mailer may, by a letter to the local postmaster, request to mail under a deposit arrangement. The mailer must deposit with the postmaster an amount adequate to cover postage at the higher rate. The difference between the amount deposited and a lower rate subsequently determined to be appropriate is returned to the mailer, if his appeal is sustained. If the appeal is denied, the deposit is not returned. If a balance remains in the deposit after the higher rate postage has been deducted, the balance is refunded, if the customer so wishes. 134 Mail Sent by Members of the U.S. Armed Forces 134.1 Letters Sent Postage Collect 134.11 Eligible Letters. Letters sent by soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines in the United States military service located in the United States or other places where United States domestic mail service operates, addressed to places in the United States, may be dispatched for collection on delivery, under the following conditions: a. The address side of the letter must be marked "Soldier's Letter," "Airmen's Letter," "Sailor's Letter," or "Marine's Letter," as appropriate. b. Under the marking, the letter must bear the signature and official designation, either with a facsimile hand stamp or in writing, of a commissioned officer to whose command the soldier or airman belongs, or of a surgeon or chaplain at a hospital where he is; and, in the Navy and Marine service, of a commissioned officer attached to the vessel on which the member is serving or an officer commanding a hospital or detachment ashore where he is. 134.12 Postage Charge. Postage charged at the regular, single-piece First-Class rate for each ounce or fraction thereof is collected from the addressee on delivery. 134.2 Matter Sent Free 134.21 General. Matter may be mailed free of postage by certain military personnel, subject to the conditions and restrictions contained in 134.22, 134.23, and 134.24. 134.22 Eligibility 134.221 Matter. Matter that may be mailed free under this section is restricted to letters, postcards, and recorded communications (whether sound or video) having the character of personal correspondence. 134.222 Sender. The free mailing privilege authorized by this section may be used only by members of the United States Armed Forces on active duty who are a. assigned to military duty in an overseas area, as designated by the President or authorized designee under 39 USC 3401(a)(1), and who mail the matter at an Armed Forces post office established in that area; or b. hospitalized in a facility under the jurisdiction of the United States Armed Forces as a result of disease or injury incurred as a result of military service in an overseas area designated by the President or authorized designee. Note: As of June 10, 1991, "overseas areas" for the purpose of 134.222a include Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates; parts of Iraq (north of 36 degrees north latitude); parts of Turkey (east of 35 degrees east longitude and south of 40 degrees north latitude); and the adjacent waters of the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea (north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude), Gulf of Aden, Mediterranean Sea (east of 27 degrees east longitude), and Red Sea. For the purpose of 134.222b, "overseas areas" include those defined for 134.222a and Grenada, Lebanon, and Vietnam. Additions to and deletions from these lists are announced in the Postal Bulletin. 134.223 Address. Matter mailed free under this section must be addressed to a. a place in the United States (including its territories, possessions, and Puerto Rico) that is served by a United States post office; or b. a military post office (APO/FPO). 134.23 Preparation. The address side of a mailpiece mailed under this section must bear a. the word "FREE," written in the handwriting of the sender, in the upper right corner, and b. the sender's name, military grade, and complete military address, in the upper left corner. 134.24 Special Services. Matter mailed free under this section may not be registered, certified, or insured. Special delivery service may be obtained upon prepayment of the required fee (see 915.3). 134.25 Handling. Matter mailed free under this section is treated as First-Class Mail for purposes of transportation, processing, delivery, and handling if undeliverable as addressed. 135 Free Matter for the Blind and Other Handicapped Persons 135.1 General. Matter mailed by or for the use of blind or other handicapped persons may be mailed free of postage provided the sender, the recipient, and the matter being mailed comply with the applicable conditions of this section. 135.2 Definitions 135.21 Blind or Handicapped. For purposes of this section, blind or other handicapped persons are those who cannot read or use conventionally printed material because of a physical impairment and who are certified by a competent authority as unable to read normal reading material. 135.22 Competent Authority. For purposes of this section, a competent authority includes any licensed medical doctor, opthalmologist, optometrist, registered nurse, or professional staff member of a hospital or other institution or agency. 135.3 List of Qualified Individuals 135.31 Postmaster's Record. To assist in determining eligibility to mail matter under the provisions of this section, postmasters must establish and maintain USPS 010.060 (see Privacy Act System of Records, Administrative Support Manual, Appendix) as a record of their customers who are blind or handicapped (as defined in 135.21). The postmaster also may require, and include as part of the record, a statement by a competent authority certifying that the individual is unable to read conventionally printed material. 135.32 Customer Information. Customers wishing to know whether they are recorded as a blind or other handicapped person (as defined in 135.21) may submit inquiries to the postmaster, giving their full name and address. 135.33 Establishing Eligibility. A customer who wishes to be added to the postmaster's record and establish eligibility for mailing privileges under this section must submit his or her name and address, and a written statement of certification by a competent authority. 135.34 Postmaster's Personal Knowledge. When the postmaster has personal knowledge that a particular customer has been certified as blind or handicapped (as defined in 135.21), the postmaster may include that individual in the list required by 135.31, and may extend to that individual mailing privileges under this section. In such instances, no written statement of certification is required. 135.4 Matter for Blind or Other Handicapped Persons 135.41 Acceptable Matter. Letters prepared in any form by sighted individuals, to be sent to a blind or other handicapped person, or empty shipping materials for use in mailing matter described in this section, cannot be sent free and must bear the full applicable postage. Subject to the conditions in 135.42, the following matter may be mailed free of postage. a. Reading matter and musical scores. b. Sound reproductions. c. Paper, records, tapes, and other material for the production of reading matter, musical scores, or sound reproductions. d. Reproducers or parts thereof, for sound reproductions. e. Braille writers, typewriters, educational or other materials or devices, or parts thereof, used for writing by, or specifically designed or adapted for use of, a blind person or a person having a physical impairment as described in 135.2. 135.42 Conditions. The matter listed in 135.41 must comply with the following conditions: a. The matter must be for the use of a blind or other handicapped person, as described in 135.2; b. Either no charge, rental, subscription, or other fee is required for such matter; or, if required, may not exceed the cost of the item; c. The matter may be opened by the Postal Service for inspection; and d. The matter contains no advertising. 135.5 Matter Sent by Blind or Other Handicapped Persons 135.51 Acceptable Matter. Letters that are handwritten or that are printed or typed in a type size smaller than 14 point, cannot be sent free under this section and must bear the full applicable postage. Only the following matter may be mailed free of postage, subject to the conditions in 135.52: a. Letters in raised characters or in sightsaving type (i.e., 14-point or larger), or b. Letters in the form of sound recordings. 135.52 Conditions. The matter listed in 135.51 must comply with the following conditions: a. It must be unsealed, and b. It must be sent by a blind or other physically handicapped person, as defined in 135.2. 135.6 Preparation 135.61 Markings. All matter mailed under the provisions of this section must show the words, "Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped," in the upper right corner of the address side. 135.62 Special Services 135.621 Insurance. Matter mailed under the provisions of this section may be insured (see 913) upon payment of the appropriate insurance fee. 135.622 Other Special Services. No other special services are available for matter mailed free of postage under this section. If mailers desire such services, they must pay the applicable fees for the special services and the full postage applicable to the class of mail selected. 135.63 Weight and Size Limits. Matter mailed under the provisions of this section must meet the minimum size requirements in 127 and may not exceed the maximum dimensions shown in 751. 135.64 Mailability. Matter mailed under the provision of this section must comply with the prohibitions and conditions in 123 and 124. 135.65 Packaging. Matter mailed under the provisions of this section should be packaged and addressed as recommended by 121 and 122. 135.7 Handling. Matter mailed free under the provisions of this section is not considered to be part of any particular class of mail and is not protected against postal inspection. For the exclusive purposes of determining appropriate standards and procedures for processing and delivery, and for handling if undeliverable, such matter is treated as First-Class Mail. 135.8 International Mail. The provisions of this section are applicable to domestic mail only. See International Mail Manual 250 for information concerning free matter for the blind in international mail. 136 Mixed Classes of Mail 136.1 General. When mail of a higher class is enclosed with mail of a lower class, the rate of postage on the entire piece or package is that of the higher class, except as provided in 136.2, 136.3, 136.4, 136.7, and 136.8. Mailers are subject to a fine if they knowingly conceal letters or other mail of a higher class (or rate) in mail sent at a lower class (or rate) without paying the appropriate postage on the enclosures as provided in 136.2, 136.3, and 136.4 (see 18 USC 1723). 136.2 Attachments of Two Different Classes 136.21 Attachment. Letters or other pieces of Firstor third-class mail may be placed in an envelope and securely tied or otherwise attached to the address side of a second-, third-, or fourth-class mailpiece. The envelope must be placed on the address side of the principal mailpiece. Combination envelopes or containers having separate parts for the two classes of mail may be used. (See 621.4 and 629.7 concerning the sealing of third-class mail.) 136.22 Addressing. The name and address of the sender and the name and address of the addressee should be placed on both the principal mailpiece and the attachment. If both names and addresses do not appear on both pieces, the sender's name and address must be placed on one and the name and address of the addressee must be placed on the other. Combination containers having inseparable portions or compartments are mailable with the names and addresses on only one portion. 136.23 Postage 136.231 Computation and Payment. Postage for the host second-, third-, or fourth-class mailpiece must be paid as provided in 460, 660, or 780, respectively. Except for incidental First-Class attachments as described in 136.4, Firstor third-class attachments must have postage affixed at the appropriate rate. 136.232 Discounts and Reduced Rates a. Presort. If a host piece qualifies for a presort discount, a Firstor third-class attachment is eligible for the comparable Firstor third-class presort rate. For example, if a host second-class mailpiece qualifies for the level C1 (carrier route) rate, a third-class attachment would qualify for the third-class carrier route presort rate. The attachment need not meet the volume requirements that would apply if it were mailed separately. b. Automation. If a host piece qualifies for an automated rate, a Firstor third-class attachment is eligible for the comparable Firstor third-class rate. For example, if a host second-class mailpiece is eligible for a rate that includes a ZIP+4 discount, a third-class attachment would qualify for the corresponding third-class rate that includes a similar discount. The attachment need not meet the volume requirements that would apply if it were mailed separately. An automated rate may not be claimed for an attachment unless a similar automated rate is claimed for the host piece. If the attachment renders the host piece incompatible with automation requirements, neither the host piece nor the attachment is eligible for an automation rate. c. Walk-Sequence. If a host piece qualifies for a walk-sequence rate, a third-class attachment is eligible for the comparable third-class rate provided every host piece for which the walk-sequence rate is claimed has a third-class attachment. The attachment need not meet the volume requirements that would apply if it were mailed separately. A walk-sequence rate cannot be claimed for an attachment unless a similar rate is claimed for the host piece. d. Destination Entry. If a host piece qualifies for the delivery office zone rates, a third-class attachment is eligible for the destination delivery unit reduction. If a host piece qualifies for the SCF zone rates, a third-class attachment can qualify for the destination SCF third-class rate only if the host piece and attachment are deposited and accepted at the SCF facility serving the delivery address of the mailpiece. The attachment need not meet the volume requirements that would apply if it were mailed separately. A rate including a destination entry discount cannot be claimed for an attachment unless a similar rate is available and claimed for the host piece. 136.233 Mailing Statements. Separate mailing statements using the appropriate Postal Service forms must be prepared for the host piece and the attachment. The statement for the attachment must be annotated to indicate it is for postage for a Firstor third-class attachment. The statement for the attachment must be submitted with the statement for the host piece at the time of mailing. 136.234 Fee. The annual bulk mailing fee (see 612.1) must be paid for the current 12-month period at each office where postage for a third-class attachment is paid at any bulk third-class rate. 136.24 Required Markings. First-Class attachments may be marked "First-Class" or "Letter Enclosed." Third-class attachments must be marked "Third-Class." 136.3 Mailing Enclosures of Different Classes 136.31 With Second-Class Publications 136.311 General. Except as provided in 136.312, all enclosures mailed with a bound publication must be bound into the publication or securely affixed to a page of the publication. Enclosures mailed with an unbound publication must be combined with, and inserted within, the publication. Separate and independent pieces of nonincidental First-Class Mail (i.e., matter not qualifying as incidental First-Class attached mail under 136.4) and pieces of third-class mail may be mailed as enclosures with second-class publications. 136.312 Loose Enclosures. Loose enclosures may be mailed together with a bound second-class publication only under the following conditions: a. The enclosure and the second-class materials are totally enclosed in an envelope, plastic wrapper (polybag), or paper wrapper, or the enclosure and the second-class materials are contained in a sleeve and the enclosures are inserted within the pages of the publication and held in place by tension, or secured in such a manner that they do not become separated from the publication while in the mail; and b. For third-class matter, the total weight of all enclosed materials must not exceed the weight prescribed for third-class mail in 621.1c, it must be less than 16 ounces; and c. The external dimensions of the enclosure may not exceed the external dimensions of the second-class publication; and d. The publication and the enclosure must be prepared so that any permit imprint on the enclosure is not visible to mailhandling personnel; and e. If enclosed in a plastic wrapper or polybag, the second-class publication must be the top or bottom piece, must face out, and its title must be visible; and f. The enclosure must not be addressed. 136.313 Computation of Postage a. General Rule. The appropriate Firstor third-class rate, based on the comparable second-class rate applicable to the addressed piece containing the enclosure, must be paid for the enclosed material. b. Presort. If a host piece qualifies for a presort discount, a Firstor third-class enclosure is eligible for the comparable Firstor third-class presort rate. For example, if a host second-class mailpiece qualifies for the level C1 (carrier route) rate, a third-class enclosure would qualify for the third-class carrier route presort rate. The enclosure need not meet the volume requirements that would otherwise apply if it were mailed separately. c. Automation. If a host piece qualifies for an automated rate, a Firstor third-class enclosure is eligible for the comparable Firstor third-class rate. For example, if a host second-class mailpiece is eligible for a rate that includes a ZIP+4 discount, a third-class enclosure would qualify for the corresponding third-class rate that includes a similar discount. The enclosure need not meet the volume requirements that would apply if it were mailed separately. An automated rate may not be claimed for an enclosure unless a similar automated rate is claimed for the host piece. If the enclosure renders the host piece incompatible with automation requirements, neither the host piece nor the enclosure is eligible for an automation rate. d. Walk-Sequence. If a host piece qualifies for a walk-sequence rate, a third-class enclosure is eligible for the comparable third-class rate provided every host piece for which the walk-sequence rate is claimed has a third-class enclosure. The enclosure need not meet the volume requirements that would apply if it were mailed separately. A walk-sequence rate cannot be claimed for an enclosure unless a similar rate is claimed for the host piece. e. Destination Entry. If a host piece qualifies for the delivery office zone rates, a third-class enclosure is eligible for the destination delivery unit reduction. If a host piece qualifies for the SCF zone rates, a third-class enclosure can qualify for the destination SCF third-class rate only if the host piece and enclosure are deposited and accepted at the SCF facility serving the delivery address of the mailpiece. The enclosure need not meet the volume requirements that would apply if it were mailed separately. A rate including a destination entry discount cannot be claimed for an enclosure unless a similar rate is available and claimed for the host piece. 136.314 Multiple Items. When more than one enclosure of the same class of mail is enclosed with a publication, they may be treated as a single enclosure for the purpose of computing postage. 136.315 Method of Payment - Host Piece. Postage for the second-class publication must be paid as prescribed in 460. Any publisher authorized to pay second-class postage under the Centralized Postage Payment (CPP) procedures in 464 may make arrangements to submit mailing statements and pay postage for the Firstor third-class enclosures to the designated post office (DPO) under the CPP system procedures. The publisher must obtain specific prior authorization from the DPO each time the second-class publication is mailed with a Firstor third-class enclosure. 136.316 Method of Payment - Enclosed Material a. Postage Affixed. Postage for the Firstor third-class enclosure may be affixed to it or to the outer wrapper, polybag, envelope, or cover of the host second-class publication by precanceled or meter stamps. b. Permit Imprint on the Host Piece. Postage for the Firstor third-class enclosure may be paid by permit imprint if the permit imprint indicia is placed on the outer wrapper, polybag, envelope, or cover of the host second-class publication, subject to the following conditions: (1) The permit imprint must be prepared as required by 145.2 through 145.4 and must be set in type no smaller than any used in the notice required by 429.625i. (2) Except when postage for the host publication is paid under the CPP system (see 464) or the plant-verified drop shipment postage payment system (see 465), the mail must be entered at the post office where the permit is held as required by 145.5 and 145.6. (3) Except as provided in 136.316c, the permit imprint must not appear on or in copies that are not accompanied by a Firstor third-class enclosure. c. Permit Imprint in the Identification Statement. Postage for the Firstor third-class enclosure may be paid by permit imprint if the permit imprint indicia is placed in the identification statement (required by 429.62) of the host second-class publication, subject to the conditions in 136.316b and the following: (1) The indicia and the marking required by 136.317 must be set in type no smaller than any used in the notice required by 429.625i, and completely surrounded by either a black line or a 1/4-inch clear area. (2) The identification statement must not be located on one of the last three editorial pages inside the back cover page of a bound publication, as otherwise permitted by 429.62. (3) If the permit imprint and the marking required by 136.317 are placed in the identification statement of all copies of a second-class publication, the marking in each such copy must be followed by both a list of the editions or edition codes mailed with a Firstor third-class enclosure and the edition name or edition code that applies to the respective copy. d. CPP Publications. Any publisher authorized to pay second-class postage under the Centralized Postage Payment (CPP) procedures in 464 may make arrangements to submit mailing statements and pay postage for the Firstor third-class enclosures to the designated post office (DPO) under the CPP system procedures. The publisher must obtain specific prior authorization from the DPO each time the second-class publication is mailed with a Firstor third-class enclosure. e. Fee. The annual bulk mailing fee (see 612.1) must be paid for the current 12-month period at each office where postage for a third-class enclosure is paid at any bulk third-class rate. 136.317 Marking Required. Whenever a second-class publication is mailed with a nonincidental First-Class or any third-class enclosure, the corresponding "First-Class Mail Enclosed" or "Third-Class Mail Enclosed" marking must be placed on or in the host publication, subject to the following conditions: a. If placed on the outer wrapper, polybag, envelope, or cover of the host second-class publication, it must be set in type no smaller than any used in the notice required by 429.625i. b. If placed in the identification statement, it must meet the conditions in 136.316c. c. Except as provided by 136.316c, the marking must not appear on or in copies which are not accompanied by a Firstor third-class enclosure. 136.318 Documentation a. Second-Class Publication. Postage for the host second-class publication must be declared on the appropriate mailing statement, and supported by the documentation specified in the requirements for the rate claimed. b. Enclosed Material - Postage Affixed. The correct postage must be affixed to each Firstor third-class enclosure and reported on the appropriate mailing statement. The documentation required for the host publication must be amended to support the rate claimed for the enclosed material. c. Enclosed Material - Permit Imprint. Postage for the enclosure must be computed at the applicable Firstor third-class rate, as appropriate, and correspond to the number of copies of the second-class publication prepared in accordance with 136.316b. Postage for the Firstor third-class enclosure must be claimed on the appropriate mailing statement, and the documentation required for the host publication must be amended to support the rate claimed for the enclosed material. Note: At least 1 ounce of First-Class postage or the minimum per-piece third-class postage, as applicable, must be paid for the enclosed material (see 136.314). d. Mailing Statements. Separate mailing statements using the appropriate Postal Service forms must be prepared for the host piece and the enclosure. The statement for the enclosure must be annotated to indicate it is for postage for a Firstor third-class enclosure. The statement for the enclosure must be submitted with the statement for the host piece at the time of mailing. 136.32 With Thirdand Fourth-Class Parcels 136.321 First-Class Enclosures. Letters or other pieces of First-Class Mail may be enclosed with third-or fourth-class mail. Postage at the appropriate First-Class rate must be paid for each letter or other piece of First-Class Mail, except incidental First-Class attachments or enclosures as noted in 136.4. 136.322 Third-Class Enclosures. Third-class mail may be enclosed in a fourth-class parcel mailed at the rates in 711 or mailed free under 135. Postage at the applicable third-class rate must be paid on such matter, except as provided in 721.2, 722.3, 723.3, 724.3, and 725.5. 136.323 Placement of Enclosure. The enclosure should be placed on top of other items in the parcel when practical. 136.324 Postage a. Payment. Postage for the enclosure must be placed on the outside of the parcel. It may be added to the postage for the parcel and the total amount paid together, or the postage for the enclosure may be affixed separately from the postage for the parcel. b. Mailing Statements. When required, separate mailing statements using the appropriate Postal Service forms must be prepared for the host piece and the enclosure. The statement for the enclosure must be annotated to indicate it is for postage for a Firstor third-class enclosure. The statement for the enclosure must be submitted with the statement for the host piece at the time of mailing. 136.325 Marking Required. The mailer must place the endorsement "First-Class Mail Enclosed" or "Third-Class Mail Enclosed" on each parcel below the postage and above the address. The endorsement may be hand-stamped, handwritten, typewritten, printed, or put on by any other method. 136.4 Incidental First-Class Attachments or Enclosures 136.41 First-Class Matter. Incidental First-Class matter may be enclosed in or attached to second-class matter, third-class merchandise (including books but excluding merchandise samples), and fourth-class matter. The attached or enclosed incidental matter may be mailed at the applicable postage rate of the host piece with which it is attached or enclosed. 136.42 Eligibility Requirements 136.421 An incidental attachment or enclosure must be closely associated with or related to the piece to which it is attached or in which it is enclosed, it must be secondary to that piece, and it must not encumber postal processing. 136.422 An incidental attachment or enclosure includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following items: a. A bill for the product or publication. b. A statement of account for past products or publications. c. A personal message or greeting included with a product, publication, or parcel. 136.43 Payment of Postage. Incidental First-Class attachments or enclosures may be mailed with second-class matter, third-class merchandise (including books but excluding merchandise samples), and fourth-class mail. Postage is based on the combined weight of the incidental attachment or enclosure and the host piece with which it is attached or enclosed, and is to be paid at the rate applicable to the host piece. Note: For incidental attachments or enclosures with second-class matter, if the second-class piece consists entirely of nonadvertising matter, the attachment or enclosure is also considered nonadvertising matter; in all other instances, the attachment or enclosure is considered part of the advertising portion of the second-class piece. 136.44 Markings. There are no marking requirements for incidental First-Class attachments or enclosures mailed under the provisions of this section. 136.5 Treatment 136.51 Service. Combination mailings of First-Class Mail with thirdor fourth-class mail are processed and provided the service of thirdor fourth-class mail as appropriate. 136.52 Forwarding. Pieces of second-, third-, or fourth-class mail having other classes of mail attached or enclosed under the combination mail arrangements provided for by 136.2, 136.3, and 136.4 must be forwarded as specified for the host piece in 159.2. Neither the enclosures nor the host piece should be provided the forwarding service of First-Class Mail. 136.53 Return 136.531 Undeliverable combination mailpieces mailed under 136.2 or 136.3, including those which cannot be forwarded, one part of which is First-Class Mail, must in all cases be returned to the sender, subject to the charge for return according to its class. The weight of the First-Class piece is not included when computing the charge for return of the second-, third-, or fourth-class portion. 136.532 Any undeliverable combination mailpiece mailed under 136.2 or 136.3 which does not include First-Class matter must be disposed of as provided in 159. 136.533 If for any reason an undeliverable combination mailpiece mailed under 136.2 or 136.3, one part of which is First-Class Mail, is not returnable to the sender, it must be treated as provided in 159. 136.534 Items mailed under 136.4 are returned according to the class of the host piece. 136.6 Special Services. Combination mailpieces may be sent as special delivery or, in the case of thirdor fourth-class parcels, as special handling, and only one fee applicable to the parcel is required. Combination pieces may not be registered. They may be sent insured or COD, the insurance to cover only the value of the parcel. 136.7 Express Mail Drop Shipments 136.71 Definition of Service. Mailers may use Express Mail Custom Designed Service or Express Mail Next Day Service to expedite movement of any other class of mail from one domestic postal facility to another. Postal employees at the post office where the Express Mail shipment destinates must open the Express Mail pouches and distribute the enclosed mail in accordance with the service standards appropriate for the class of mail enclosed. 136.72 Availability of Service 136.721 The Express Mail shipment must meet all eligibility and other requirements for Express Mail specified in Chapter 2. 136.722 The mail enclosed in an Express Mail pouch must meet all eligibility and other requirements of its class set forth in Chapters 3, 4, 6, or 7, as appropriate. 136.723 The mail enclosed in an Express Mail pouch must consist either entirely of single-piece rated matter or entirely of bulk-rated matter which is part of the same bulk-rate mailing, unless an exception is specifically authorized by the general manager, rates and classification center (see 132). 136.724 Express Mail drop shipment mailings can be made only at postal facilities designated by postmasters to accept both the class of mail enclosed and Express Mail. 136.725 Express Mail drop shipment mailings must be presented to the bulk mail acceptance unit of the post office of mailing (origin post office) where the enclosed mail is verified for proper preparation and correct payment of postage and fees. 136.726 The mail is accepted as Express Mail after it has cleared the bulk mail acceptance unit. The Express Mail acceptance time is entered on the appropriate Express Mail mailing statement when it reaches the Express Mail unit. 136.727 The mailer is responsible for submitting such mailings to the bulk mail acceptance unit with sufficient time allowed to enable bulk mail acceptance employees to perform required verifications and to permit the mail to be transported to the Express Mail unit before the appropriate Express Mail acceptance cutoff time. The mailer should contact the post office where the mailing is accepted to determine when such a mailing must be presented to the bulk mail acceptance unit. 136.73 Rates 136.731 Class of Mail Enclosed. a. General Rule. Postage on the class of mail enclosed must be prepaid in accordance with the rates for that class or subclass. The fees for any special services must also be prepaid. When the enclosed class of mail is zone rated, the zone to be used in computing postage is the applicable postal zone from the postal facility where the Express Mail shipment is destined to the post office of address on the individual pieces enclosed. b. Discounted Rates. A reduced rate (based on presort, automation compatibility, walk-sequencing, or destination entry) may be claimed if the applicable requirements (including volume, preparation, and documentation) are met. See 136.751a, 136.753, and the specific sections of Chapters 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 that apply to the discounted rate claimed. 136.732 Express Mail Shipment. Express Mail postage must be paid on the weight of the entire contents of the Express Mail pouch from the post office of mailing (origin post office) to the postal facility where the Express Mail shipment is destined. The tare weight of the Express Mail pouch is deducted for rate computation purposes. 136.74 Permits and Authorizations 136.741 General. Except as provided in 136.742, no special permit or authorization is necessary for using Express Mail drop shipment procedures. The mailer must, however, obtain any permits, licenses, or authorizations necessary for acceptance of the class of mail enclosed or necessary for the method used for postage payment, and pay all required bulk mailing fees, at the post office of mailing (origin post office). 136.742 Zone-Rated Matter a. List of Express Mail Destination Post Offices. A mailer enclosing zone-rated items in Express Mail drop shipments must provide the post office of mailing (origin post office) with a written list of the Express Mail destination postal facilities the mailer plans to use at least 10 workdays before the first Express Mail drop shipment is presented for mailing. A mailer is not required to tender Express Mail drop shipments to every destination postal facility on the list with each mailing. A mailer may add a destination postal facility to the original list at any time, but the mailer must provide the post office of mailing (origin post office) written notice at least 10 workdays before the first drop shipment mailing to the additional postal facility is presented for mailing. Upon receipt of the written notification, the post office of mailing (origin post office) must obtain the postal zone charts necessary to verify proper payment of postage for zone-rated items enclosed in an Express Mail drop shipment mailing. b. Use of Meters and Precanceled Stamps. The mailer must submit a written letter of application to the postmaster at the post office of mailing (originating post office) requesting authorization to use meters or precanceled stamps to pay postage on zone-rated matter enclosed in an Express Mail drop shipment mailing. This application may be submitted along with the list of Express Mail destination post offices required in 136.742a. Upon receipt of the application, the postmaster assigns an authorization number to the mailer. (Authorization numbers are assigned in numerical sequence.) The postmaster must advise the mailer by letter of the authorization and authorization number. (See also marking requirements in 136.754.) 136.75 Preparation Requirements 136.751 General a. Class of Mail Enclosed. The class of mail enclosed must meet all preparation requirements for its class and any special services used. If the matter enclosed is to be mailed at a bulk or presort rate, it must first be packaged according to the bulk or presort preparation requirement for its class, as follows: (1) Sacking Requirements. Except when all packages are destined to the same 5-digit ZIP Code destination as the Express Mail pouch (see 136.751a(2)), packages of the enclosed matter must be sacked, pouched, or trayed and then enclosed in the Express Mail pouch. (2) Preparation Outside of Sacks. Packages of the enclosed matter may be enclosed in the Express Mail pouch without being sacked, pouched, or trayed, if all of the packages of the enclosed matter are destined to the same 5-digit ZIP Code destination as the Express Mail pouch. b. Express Mail Shipment. The Express Mail shipment must be prepared in accordance with 260. 136.752 Addressing a. Enclosed Class. Each piece of the enclosed class of mail must be addressed in accordance with the requirements of its class. b. Express Mail Shipment. Each Express Mail pouch must be addressed "Tour Superintendent, Open and Distribute," followed by the address of the postal facility where the Express Mail shipment destinates. 136.753 Additional Preparation Requirements for Enclosed Classes of Mail a. Presorted and Carrier Route First-Class Mail. Except when pouching is authorized, Presorted First-Class and carrier route First-Class mailings must be prepared in cardboard trays. Mailers must place sleeves over the trays and appropriately tie or strap the trays so that they remain intact during transit inside of Express Mail pouches. The Postal Service provides the trays and sleeves. Residual pieces, whether trayed or pouched, must be prepared in accordance with one of the two preparation options listed below, in addition to meeting the requirements prescribed in 367.5. (1) Option 1: Physical Separation of Residual Pieces. Residual mail must be placed in an Express Mail pouch separate from Express Mail pouches containing qualifying Presorted First-Class or carrier route First-Class Mail. Express Mail pouches containing trays (or pouches) of residual mail must be physically separated from Express Mail pouches containing qualifying Presorted First-Class or carrier route First-Class Mail upon presentation to the bulk acceptance unit. (2) Option 2: Documentation of Residual Pieces. Residual pieces may be placed in Express Mail pouches containing qualifying Presorted First-Class or carrier route First-Class Mail, provided (a) The residual pieces are packaged into groups of 100 and labeled with facing slips which contain the word "Residual." Any package of residuals containing less than 100 pieces must show the exact number of pieces in the package on the facing slip. (b) The residual packages are placed in a separate tray or pouch labeled "Residual" or placed in a tray containing pieces qualifying for either the Presorted First-Class or carrier route First-Class Mail rates. If residual packages are placed in a tray with qualifying pieces, a divider must be placed before the residual packages which is clearly marked "Residual." (c) A list must be provided which shows the number of residual pieces by Express Mail destination postal facility. (d) If more than one Express Mail pouch is addressed to a particular postal facility in the mailing, the mailer must identify the Express Mail pouch which contains the residual pieces for that destination postal facility. b. Priority-Rate Mailings Paid for by Permit Imprint. To facilitate verification of postage, the mailer must, when presenting Priority Mail paid for by means of permit imprint as the enclosed mail, (1) enclose in each Express Mail pouch only sacks or pieces of Priority Mail which are destined for the same postal zone, and (2) separate the Express Mail pouches into groups according to the postal zone of the matter enclosed. c. Second-Class Mailings Containing Pieces of Carrier Route or Five-Digit Level Presort Rates. If the method used to document the number of pieces paid for at the second-class carrier route or 5-digit level presort per-piece rates on the matter enclosed is to separate the sacks into groups according to the presort level rate for which they are eligible when they are presented for mailing (see 445), only packages prepared under 136.751 and sacks containing pieces for the same presort level rate can be enclosed within an Express Mail pouch. Express Mail pouches must be physically separated according to the presort level rate of the mail enclosed when presented for mailing. Example: In a mailing containing pieces eligible for level A, level B, and level C rates, a mailer must physically separate the Express Mail pouches into three groups. One group would be Express Mail pouches containing sacks of second-class pieces eligible for the level A rate, another group would be Express Mail pouches containing sacks of second-class mail eligible for the level B rates, and the other group would be Express Mail pouches containing sacks of second-class mail eligible for the level C rates. Note: For purposes of this section, pieces paid at different level A rates need not be separated from each other within the group of sacks containing pieces eligible for level A. Similarly, pieces paid at different level B3 or B5 rates need not be separated from each other within the group of sacks containing pieces eligible for level B, and pieces paid at level C1, C2, and C3 rates need not be separated within the group of sacks containing pieces eligible for level C. Any additional documentation required by 424 must be submitted with the corresponding mail. d. Identical-Weight, Third-Class, Five-Digit Presort-Level Rate Mailings Containing Basic Rated Pieces. If the method used to document the number of pieces enclosed which qualify for the 3/5 presort rate is to physically separate the sacks containing pieces subject to the basic presort rate from those eligible for the 3/5 presort rate (see 624.241b), sacks containing pieces subject to the basic presort rate must not be placed in Express Mail pouches with sacks containing pieces qualifying for the 5-digit presort level rate. The Express Mail pouches must be physically separated according to the presort level rate of the mail enclosed when they are presented for mailing. e. Fourth-Class Parcel Post and Bound Printed Matter. To facilitate verification of postage, the mailer must, when presenting bulk parcel post or bulk bound printed matter paid for by meter or permit imprint, or single-piece rate parcel post or bound printed matter paid for with permit imprints, as the enclosed mail, (1) enclose in each Express Mail pouch only sacks or pieces which are destined for the same postal zone, and (2) separate the Express Mail pouches into groups according to the postal zone of the matter enclosed. The DBMC entry rate may be claimed subject to the provisions of 722.4. 136.754 Markings a. Zone-Rated Enclosed Mail. When the matter enclosed is zone-rated, and is paid for by metered postage or precanceled stamps, the following marking must appear as part of the meter stamp, or to the left of or below the meter stamp or precanceled stamp, in addition to any other markings required by that class of mail: Mail Under Cover Zone Authorization No. (Name of Post Office and State where Authorized) This marking must be placed on the mailpieces in a manner which does not interfere with the easy recognition of other endorsements required for the class of mail. The authorization number is that obtained in accordance with 136.742b. This marking notifies postal employees that the piece is not subject to zone postage from the post office shown in the meter imprint, precanceled stamp, or return address. This marking thus alerts postal employees that such pieces must not be erroneously rated postage-due. b. Mixed Service Markings. If mailers desire to place a marking on the enclosed class of mail being drop-shipped to identify that the mail was transported by Express Mail, the following marking must be used: Transported by Express Mail Delivered Locally as (insert enclosed class of mail) The marking must be placed on the mailpiece immediately to the left of the postage indicia of the enclosed class of mail, and the marking cannot exceed the height of the postage indicia. 136.76 Payment of Postage 136.761 Method of Payment a. Class of Mail Enclosed. Postage on the class of mail enclosed must be paid by any means applicable to that class of mail. b. Express Mail Shipment. Express Mail must be paid in accordance with 280. 136.762 Mailing Statements a. Class of Mail Enclosed. The mailer must submit the appropriate mailing statements for the class of mail enclosed to the bulk mail acceptance unit in accordance with the regulations pertaining to that class and method of postage payment. When the matter enclosed is zone-rated, the mailer must attach to the applicable mailing statement documentation which shows the number of pieces for each Express Mail destination postal facility in the mailing, by postal zone. The documentation may consist of separate mailing statements for the pieces to each postal facility where Express Mail shipments are destined. The mailer must also note on the applicable mailing statement the total number of Express Mail pouches in the mailing in addition to the number of sacks, trays, or other containers. Note: If no mailing statement is required for the class of mail enclosed, the mailer must still present the mailing to the bulk mail acceptance unit for verification of proper payment of postage and fees. b. Express Mail Shipment. The mailer must prepare statements necessary for the Express Mail portion of the mailing in accordance with the instructions in 260. 136.77 Treatment 136.771 Service Objectives. Express Mail drop shipments must be processed and provided the service of the Express Mail service selected from the origin post office to the destination post office of the Express Mail shipment. See 223.3, 224.4, 230, and 294 for terms of postage refund guarantee and insurance coverage. The enclosed mail must be processed and provided the service of that class of mail as appropriate from the post office where the Express Mail shipment destinates to the final destination of the pieces enclosed. 136.772 Ancillary Services a. Forwarding and Return. Forwarding and return services in 291 and 292 apply to the Express Mail segment of the mailing. The enclosed class of mail is afforded the forwarding and return services appropriate for its class. b. Special Services. The mail enclosed may be sent certified (if First-Class), special handling (if thirdor fourth-class), or special delivery (any class). The mail enclosed, regardless of class, must not be sent registered, insured, or COD. The Express Mail shipment may obtain the services in 292 and 296. The contents of each Express Mail pouch is considered one article for Express Mail indemnity coverage in 294. 136.8 Combined Mailings of Special Fourth-Class and Bound Printed Matter 136.81 Definition. Mailers may combine separate and distinguishable units of special fourth-class and bound printed matter in one parcel for the same addressee. 136.82 Machinability. All parcels containing combined special fourth-class and bound printed matter must meet the machinable (regular) parcel criteria stated in 128.41. 136.83 Postage a. Payment. Postage covering each separate unit of mail must be placed on the outside of the parcel. (See 780 for methods of postage payment.) b. Mailing Statements. When required, separate mailing statements using the appropriate Postal Service forms must be prepared for the special fourth-class portion and the bound printed matter portion of the combined mailing. Both statements must be annotated to indicate they are for postage on part of a combined mailing, and must be submitted together at the time of mailing. 136.84 Markings Required a. Sections 764.1 and 767.1 prescribe the marking requirements for mailings of special fourth-class and bound printed matter. In addition to those markings, the mailer must place on each parcel, below the postage and above the address, an endorsement denoting the enclosure and the amount of additional postage paid for it. Examples: BOUND PRINTED MATTER ENCLOSED $1.46 SPECIAL FOURTH-CLASS ENCLOSED $0.69 Parcels containing bound printed matter and special fourth-class are properly chargeable with postage at parcel post zone rates when they are not marked as prescribed, or when the contents do not consist of separate and distinguishable units of mail, or when they are not machinable. b. Combined mailings of special fourth-class and bound printed matter which are made through an alternate mailing system (AMS) under the provisions of 145.9 must be identified according to the specific terms and conditions of the approved alternate arrangement. 136.85 Bulk or Presort Rate Mailings. Bulk or presort rates may be claimed if the mail is prepared in accordance with the applicable provisions of 763, 764, or 767. Where bulk or presort rates are claimed on both subclasses, the mail must be sorted in accordance with the requirements which provide the finest degree of sortation of the two subclasses. Example: If a mailing consists of bulk bound printed matter and level A presorted special fourth-class rate mail, it must be sorted to 5-digit ZIP Code destinations meeting the provisions of 724.222 and 764.22. In this instance, sortation in accordance with the requirements prescribed in 767 for bound printed matter would not suffice. 136.86 Forwarding and Return. Combination parcels containing special fourth-class and bound printed matter are charged postage at the parcel post zone rates when forwarded or returned. 136.9 Priority Mail Drop Shipment Service 136.91 Description. Priority Mail drop shipment service expedites movement of any other class or subclass of mail (except Express Mail) between domestic postal facilities. The First-, second-, third-, or fourth-class mail is prepared in accordance with the requirements for its class, and then enclosed in sacks that are tagged and treated as Priority Mail. When the Priority Mail sack arrives at its destination post office, the Priority Mail sack is opened and the enclosed mail is distributed in accordance with its service standards. Note: When a Priority Mail drop shipment containing third-class mail is opened at an auxiliary facility, the enclosed mail is distributed in the most cost-efficient manner that meets service commitments without detriment to other classes of mail. 136.92 Requirements 136.921 Priority Mail Requirements. The Priority Mail drop shipment must meet all eligibility and other requirements for Priority Mail specified in Chapter 3. 136.922 Enclosed Mail Requirements. All the mail enclosed within one Priority Mail sack must consist either entirely of single-piece rated matter or entirely of bulk rated matter which is part of the same bulk-rate mailing, unless an exception is specifically authorized by the general manager, rates and classification center (see 132). The enclosed mail must also meet all eligibility and other requirements of its class. 136.923 Authorized Acceptance Unit. Mailers must present a Priority Mail drop shipment to the bulk mail acceptance unit that has been authorized by the postmaster to accept the class of mail enclosed. The acceptance unit must verify that the enclosed mail has been properly prepared and that correct postage and fees have been paid. 136.924 Acceptance by the Post Office. A Priority Mail drop shipment must clear the bulk mail acceptance unit and be marked as a Priority Mail drop shipment before it can be accepted as such by the post office. 136.925 Timeliness. The mailer is responsible for submitting drop shipments to the bulk mail acceptance unit early enough in the day to allow time for required verifications and processing before the critical dispatch time for Priority Mail. The mailer should contact the accepting post office to determine when a drop shipment should be presented. 136.926 Required Sacks. Priority Mail drop shipments must be placed in white plastic domestic or other approved sacks, properly labeled to the destination drop shipment facility. (Exception: First-Class mailings must be presented in orange nylon sacks.) Any sack not provided by the Postal Service must be approved by the Mail Transport Equipment Division, Mail Processing Department. Tag 159, Drop Shipment Priority Mail, must be attached to each sack to identify it as Priority Mail, to identify the class of mail enclosed, and to provide a place to affix Priority Mail postage. 136.93 Rates 136.931 Priority Mail. The Priority Mail postage is based on the weight of the Priority Mail sack's contents including the tare weight of any sacks or trays used to prepare the enclosed class of mail. (The tare weight of only the Priority Mail sack is deducted before computing postage.) It is zone-rated from the accepting post office to the destination post office for the drop shipment (not the destination post office for the enclosed mail). 136.932 Enclosed Mail a. General Rule. Postage on the enclosed mail must be prepaid in accordance with the rates for its class or subclass. The fees for any special services must also be prepaid. If it is zone-rated, postage is computed on the basis that the destination post office for the Priority Mail segment of the drop shipment is the originating post office for the enclosed mail. b. Discounted Rates. A reduced rate (based on presort, automation compatibility, walk-sequencing, or destination entry) may be claimed if the applicable requirements (including volume, preparation, and documentation) are met. See 136.951b, 136.953, and the specific sections of Chapters 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 that apply to the discounted rate claimed. 136.94 Permits and Authorizations 136.941 General. Except as provided for in 136.942, no special permit or authorization is required for using Priority Mail drop shipment service. The mailer must, however, obtain any permits, licenses, or authorizations required for the enclosed mail or for the method of postage payment, and pay all required bulk mailing fees at the post office where the Priority Mail shipment is accepted. 136.942 Zone-Rated Enclosed Mail a. Listing Destination Post Offices. A mailer enclosing zone-rated mail in Priority Mail drop shipments must provide the accepting post office with a written list of all the drop shipment destination post offices at least 10 workdays before the first drop shipment is presented. However, there is no requirement to mail to every listed post office at every mailing. b. Adding Destination Post Offices. A mailer may add to the list of destination post offices at any time by notifying the accepting post office in writing. A destination post office must be on the list for at least 10 workdays before a mailer may mail a drop shipment to it. c. Zone Charts. When notified by the mailer, the accepting post office must obtain the zone charts for the listed destination post offices in order to verify the enclosed mail. d. Zone Authorization Number. The mailer must submit a written letter of application to the postmaster at the accepting post office requesting authorization to use meters or precanceled stamps to pay postage on zone-rated matter enclosed in a Priority Mail drop shipment mailing. This application may be submitted along with the list of drop shipment destination post offices. Upon receipt of the application, the postmaster assigns a zone authorization number to the mailer and notify the mailer of the authorization number. (See marking requirements in 136.954.) 136.95 Preparation Requirements 136.951 General a. Priority Mail Drop Shipment. The Priority Mail drop shipment must be prepared in accordance with 360. (See 136.926 for sack requirements.) b. Enclosed Mail. The enclosed mail must meet all preparation requirements for its class or subclass and any special services used. If it is to be mailed at a bulk or presort rate, it must be packaged and sacked or trayed in accordance with the preparation requirements for its class. The sacks or trays must then be enclosed in the Priority Mail sack. Exception: If all of the packages of the enclosed mail are destined to the same 5-digit ZIP Code as the Priority Mail drop shipment sack, they may be placed in the Priority Mail sack without being sacked or trayed. 136.952 Addressing a. Priority Mail Drop Shipment. Each Priority Mail sack must be labeled to its destination post office and must have Tag 159, Drop Shipment Priority Mail, affixed. b. Enclosed Mail. Each piece of the enclosed mail must be addressed in accordance with the requirements of its class. 136.953 Additional Preparation Requirements for Enclosed Classes of Mail a. Presorted and Carrier Route First-Class Mail. Except when pouching is authorized, Presorted First-Class and carrier route First-Class mailings must be prepared in cardboard trays. Mailers must place sleeves over the trays and tie or strap the trays so that they remain intact during transit inside the sack. The Postal Service provides the trays and sleeves. Residual pieces, whether trayed or pouched, must be prepared in accordance with one of the two preparation options listed below, in addition to meeting the requirements prescribed in 367.5. (1) Option 1: Physical Separation of Residual Pieces. Residual mail must be placed in Priority Mail drop shipment sacks separate from sacks containing qualifying mail. Also, the sacks containing residual mail must be physically separated from the sacks containing qualifying mail upon presentation to the acceptance unit. (2) Option 2: Documentation of Residual Pieces. Residual pieces may be placed in Priority Mail sacks that contain qualifying mail, provided (a) They are in packages of 100 pieces labeled with facing slips that have the word "Residual" written on them. Any package containing less than 100 pieces must also show the exact number of pieces on the facing slip. (b) The residual packages are placed in a separate tray or pouch labeled "Residual" or in a tray containing qualifying pieces if a divider which is clearly marked "Residual" is placed before the residual packages. (c) The mailer provides a list which shows the number of residual pieces to each post office where Priority Mail shipments are to destinate. (d) If two or more sacks are addressed to the same post office, the mailer identifies the one containing the residual pieces. b. Second-Class Mailings Containing Pieces at Carrier Route or Five-Digit Level Presort Rates. If the method used to document the number of pieces paid for at the second-class carrier route or 5-digit level presort per-piece rates on the matter enclosed is to separate the second-class sacks into groups according to the presort level rate for which they are eligible when they are presented for mailing (see 424.842), only second-class sacks containing pieces for the same presort level rate can be enclosed within one Priority Mail sack. When presented for mailing, the Priority Mail sacks must be grouped according to the presort level rate of the enclosed mail. Example: In a Priority Mail drop shipment mailing containing second-class pieces eligible for level A, level B, and level C rates, the Priority Mail sacks must be presented in three groups: One group would be all the sacks enclosing mail eligible for the level A rate, another group would be all the sacks enclosing mail eligible for level B rate, and the third group would be all the sacks enclosing mail eligible for level C rate. Note: For purposes of this section, pieces paid at different level A rates need not be separated from each other within the group of sacks containing pieces eligible for level A. Similarly, pieces paid at different level B3 or B5 rates need not be separated from each other within the group of sacks containing pieces eligible for level B, and pieces paid at level C1, C2, and C3 rates need not be separated within the group of sacks containing pieces eligible for level C. Any additional documentation required by 424 must be submitted with the corresponding mail. c. Identical-Weight, Third-Class 3/5 Presort Rate Mailings That Include Basic Presort Rate Pieces. If the method used to document the number of pieces enclosed which qualify for the 3/5 presort rate is to physically separate the third-class sacks containing pieces subject to the basic presort rate from those eligible for the 3/5 presort rate (see 624.241b), third-class sacks containing pieces subject to the basic presort rate must not be placed in Priority Mail sacks containing pieces qualifying for the 3/5 presort rate. The Priority Mail sacks must be physically separated according to the presort level rate of the mail enclosed when they are presented for mailing. d. Fourth-Class Parcel Post and Bound Printed Matter. To facilitate verification of postage, there are two steps the mailer must take when presenting enclosed mail that is either bulk parcel post or bulk bound printed matter paid for by meter or permit imprint, or single-piece rate parcel post or bound printed matter paid for with permit imprints. They are: (1) Enclose in each Priority Mail drop shipment sack only sacks or pieces destined for the same postal zone, and (2) Separate the Priority Mail drop shipment sacks into groups according to the postal zone of the matter enclosed. The DBMC entry rate may be claimed subject to 722.4. 136.954 Markings a. Zone-Rated Enclosed Mail. When the enclosed mail is zone-rated and is paid for by metered postage or precanceled stamps, the following marking must appear as part of the meter stamp, or to the left of or below the meter stamp or precanceled stamp. This is in addition to any other markings required for that class of mail. The zone authorization number is described in 136.942d. Mail Under Cover Zone Authorization No. (Name of Post Office and State where Authorized) This marking must be placed so as not to interfere with the easy recognition of other endorsements required for the class of mail. It indicates that the piece is not subject to zone postage from the post office shown in the meter imprint, precanceled stamp, or return address. This is to prevent these pieces from being erroneously rated postage-due. b. Mixed Service Markings. If mailers desire to place a marking on the enclosed class of mail being drop shipped to identify that the mail was transported by Priority Mail, the following marking must be used: Transported by Priority Mail Delivered Locally as (insert enclosed class of mail) The marking must be placed on the mailpiece immediately to the left of the postage indicia of the enclosed class of mail and the marking cannot exceed the height of the postage indicia. 136.96 Payment of Postage 136.961 Method of Payment a. Priority Mail. Priority Mail postage must be paid by means of adhesive stamps or meter stamps affixed to Tag 159, Drop Shipment Priority Mail. b. Enclosed Mail. Postage on the enclosed mail may be paid by any means applicable to that class of mail. 136.962 Mailing Statements a. Priority Mail. No mailing statements are required for Priority Mail postage. b. Enclosed Mail. The mailer must submit mailing statements to the bulk mail acceptance unit appropriate for the class of mail enclosed and method of postage payment. (1) On the statements, the mailer must show the total number of Priority Mail drop shipment sacks in the mailing, in addition to the number of sacks, trays, or other containers. (2) If the enclosed mail is zone-rated, the mailer must submit the appropriate mailing statement showing the total pieces and postage for each zone. An attachment must accompany the mailing statement which details the pieces and postage, by zone, for each post office at which a Priority Mail shipment is to destinate. As an alternative to the attachment, the mailer may submit a separate mailing statement for each Priority Mail drop shipment destination post office. If no mailing statement is required for the enclosed mail, the mailer must still present the mailing to the bulk mail acceptance unit for verification of the proper payment of postage and fees. 136.97 Treatment 136.971 Service Objectives. Priority Mail drop shipments must be processed to meet the service commitment for Priority Mail from the accepting post office to the drop shipment destination post offices. From the drop shipment destination post offices to final delivery, the enclosed mail must receive the service appropriate for its class. 136.972 Ancillary Services a. Forwarding, Return, and Address Correction. The Priority Mail drop shipment segment of the mailing receives the forwarding, return, and address-correction services described in 390. The enclosed mail receives the services appropriate for its class. b. Special Services. Enclosed First-Class Mail may be sent certified; thirdor fourth-class mail may be sent special handling; and any class of mail may be sent special delivery (any class). Enclosed mail, regardless of class, must not be sent registered, insured, or COD. No special services may be given to the Priority Mail portion of the drop shipment. 137 Official Mail 137.1 Franked Mail 137.11 Members of Congress 137.111 Collection of Postage, Fees, and Charges. Postage, fees, and charges on mail sent under the franking privilege by the Vice President, Members and Members-elect of Congress, Delegates or Delegates-elect, the Resident Commissioner or Resident Commissioner-elect from Puerto Rico, the Secretary of the Senate, Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate, each of the elected officers of the House of Representatives (other than a Member of the House), Legislative Counsel of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and Senate Legal Counsel are paid quarterly by a lump sum to the Postal Service. 137.112 Description. Official mail of Members of Congress is sent without prepayment of postage and bears a written signature, printed facsimile signature, or other required marking instead of a postage stamp. The types of mail matter accepted under frank and the officials authorized to use franked mail are shown in Exhibit 137.112. Exhibit 137.112 FRANKED MAIL OF MEMBERS OF CONGRESS FRANKED MAIL Period during Matter that may which the frank Authorized users be franked Marking required may be used Vice President Public documentsThe words PublicDuring the 90-day of the United printed by orderDocument--andperiod immedi- States, Membersof Congressthe lettersately following of Congress, U.S.S. or M.C.expiration of Resident Commis-must appear ontheir respective sioners, Secre-the address side.terms of office tary of the Senate, Sergeant at Arms of the Senate, and each of the elected officers of the House of Repre- sentatives (other than Members of the House) Members of CongressionalThe words Congres-During term of Congress andRecord or anysional Record oroffice only Resident Com-part of it orPart of Congres- missionersany reprint ofsional Record-- any part of itand the letters or speeches orU.S.S. or M.C. must reports containedappear on the in it, if relat-address side. ing to official business, activ- ities or duties Members ofSeeds and agricul-The signature andDuring the 90-day Congresstural reportstitle, eitherperiod immedi- from the Depart-written orately following ment of Agricul-printed fac-the expiration turesimile, of theof their terms person entitledof office to frank it, must appear on the address side. Vice PresidentOfficial corre-Mailgrams may beDuring term of of the Unitedspondencesent in stan-office only. States, Membersincludingdard MailgramWhen the position and Members-Mailgramsenvelopes. Forof Secretary, elect of Cong-other corre-Sergeant at Arms, ress, Residentspondence, theelected officer, Commissioners,signature andLegislative Coun- Secretary of thetitle, eithersel, Law Revision Senate, Sergeantwritten orCounsel, or Sen- at Arms of theprinted fac-ate Legal Counsel Senate, each ofsimile, of theis vacant, privi- the elected offi-person entitledleges may be cers of the Houseto frank it mustexercised in of Representa-appear on theofficer's name tives, (otheraddress sideby authorized than a Member of)persons. the House), Leg- islative Counsels of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Law Revision counsel of the House of Repre- sentatives, and Senate Legal Counsel Vice-President-All mail sent byThe signature andUntil assumption of electthe Vice Presi-title, eitherduties as the dent-elect inwritten orVice President connection withprinted fac- preparation forsimile, of the the assumptionVice President- of officialelect must appear duties on the address side. Former Vice Matter on officialThe signature andDuring the 90-day President, eachbusiness relatedtitle, eitherperiod immedi- former Member ofto the closingwritten orately following Congress, theof their respec-printed fac-the date on which former Secretarytive officessimile, of thehe leaves office. of the Senate,person entitled the former Ser-to frank it must geant at Arms ofappear on the the Senate, eachaddress side. former elected officer of the House (other than a former Member of the House), and each former Dele- gate or Resident Commissioner Former Speakers Public documents,The signature andFor as long as the of the House.seeds and agri-title, eitherformer Speaker cultural reportswritten ordetermines from the Depart-printed fac-necessary. ment of Agricul-simile, of the ture, officialformer Speaker, correspondenceor appropriate including Mail-Mailgram or grams.public document marking as indi- cated above, must appear on the address side. Authorized users Matter that may be franked Marking required Period during which the frank may be used Vice President of the United States, Members of Congress, Resident Commis- sioners, Secretary of the Senate, Sergeant at Arms of the Senate, and each of the elected officers of the House of Representatives (other than Members of the House) Public documents printed by order of Congress The words Public Document and the letters U.S.S. or M.C. must appear on the address side. During the 90-day period immediately following expiration of their respective terms of office Members of Congress and Resident Commissioners Congressional Record or any part of it or any reprint of any part of it or speeches or reports contained in it, if relating to official business, activities, or duties The words Congressional Record or Part of Congressional Record and the letters U.S.S. or M.C. must appear on the address side. During term of office only Members of Congress Seed and agricultural reports from the Department of Agriculture The signature and title, either printed or facsimile, of the person entitled to frank it, must appear on the address side. During the 90-day period immediately following the expiration of their terms of office Vice President of the United States, Members and Members elect of Congress, Resident Commissioners, Secretary of the Senate, Sergeant at Arms of the Senate, each of the elected officers of the House of Representatives (other than a Member of the House), Legislative Counsels of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Law Revision Counsel of the House of Representatives, and Senate Legal Counsel Official correspondence including Mailgrams Mailgrams may be sent in standard Mailgram envelopes. For other correspondence, the signature and title, either written or printed facsimile, of the person entitled to frank it, must appear on the address side. During term of office only. When the position of Secretary, Sergeant at Arms, elected officer, Legislative Counsel, Law Revision Counsel, or Senate Legal Counsel is vacant, privileges may be exercised in officer's name by authorized persons. Vice President-elect All mail sent by the Vice President-elect in connection with preparation for the assumption of official duties The signature and title, either written or printed facsimile, of the Vice President-elect must appear on the address side. Until assumption of duties as the Vice President Former Vice President, each former Member of Congress, the former Secretary of the Senate, the former Sergeant at Arms of the Senate, each former elected officer of the House (other than a former Member of the House), and each former Delegate or Resident Commissioner Matter on official business related to the closing of their respective offices The signature and title, either written or printed facsimile, of the person entitled to frank it, must appear on the address side. During the 90-day period immediately following the date on which he leaves office Former Speakers of the House Public documents, seeds, and agricultural reports from the Department of Agriculture, official correspondence including Mailgrams The signature and title, either written or printed facsimile, of the former Speaker, or appropriate Mailgram or public document marking as indicated above, must appear on the address side. For as long as the former Speaker determines necessary Exhibit 137.112, Franked Mail of Members of Congress] 137.12 Individuals 137.121 President-Elect. All mail sent by any President-elect in connection with preparations for the assumption of official duties as President may be accepted without prepayment. The right to use official franked mail ceases immediately upon inauguration to the presidency. 137.122 Former President and Surviving Spouse of Former President. All nonpolitical mail of former United States Presidents and of the surviving spouse of a former President must be accepted without prepayment of postage, if it bears the written signature of the sender or a facsimile signature and the words "Postage and Fees Paid" in the upper right corner of the address side. 137.123 Surviving Spouse of Member of Congress. Upon the death of a Member of Congress during the term of office, the surviving spouse of such Member may send without prepayment of postage, for a period not to exceed 180 days after the death of the Member, correspondence relating to the death of the Member, provided it bears the written signature of the sender, or a facsimile signature in the upper right corner of the address side. Where there is no surviving spouse, this privilege may be exercised by a member of the immediate family of a Member of Congress who dies in office. The member of the immediate family must be designated to send such mail by the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House of Representatives, as appropriate. 137.13 Restrictions 137.131 General Restrictions a. A person entitled to use franked mail may not loan this frank or permit its use by any committee, organization, or association or permit its use by any person for the benefit or use of any committee, organization, or association. This restriction does not apply to any committee composed of Members of Congress. b. Franked mail must meet the mailability criteria established in 123 and 124. c. Franked mail is entitled to any special services for which it is properly endorsed. d. Franked mail is handled as ordinary mail. e. Franked mail is forwarded like any other mail; but, when once delivered to the addressee, it may not be remailed. A package of franked pieces may be sent by a person entitled to the franking privilege to one addressee, who, on receiving and opening the package, may on behalf of such person place addresses on the franked articles and mail them. f. Franked mail must be addressed to the recipient by name, except as provided in 122.452. 137.132 Restrictions for Members of Congress a. Matter transmitted under frank of the Vice President, each Member of or Member-elect to Congress, the Secretary of the Senate, the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate, each of the elected officers of the House of Representatives (other than a Member of the House), each Delegate or Delegate-elect, the Resident Commissioner or Resident Commissioner-elect, each Legislative Counsel of the House and the Senate, and Senate Legal Counsel must relate to the official business, activities, and duties of the Congress of the United States. b. Matter transmitted under frank of the former Vice President, each former Member of Congress, the former Secretary of the Senate, the former Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate, each former elected officer of the House of Representatives (other than a former Member of the House), and each former Delegate or Resident Commissioner must be on official business relating to the closing of their respective offices. 137.14 Weight and Size Limits. Franked mail must conform to the weight, size, and shape requirements for the class of mail being used. ] 137.15 Forwarding Mailing Records for Franked Mail 137.151 a. Post offices regularly serving the district or state offices of Members of Congress and other authorized users of the frank must record on Form 103 all applicable information as described in Notice 4, Sampling Instructions for Form 103, Franked Mail--Outside Washington Subsystem. b. The Statistical Reporting Division, Headquarters; rates and classification centers; divisions; and MSCs administer the field data collection function as described in Notice 4-A, Administrative Procedures for Form 103, Franked Mail--Outside Washington Subsystem. 137.152 Do not report on Form 103 any franked mail entered by an authorized contractor or endorsed "Presorted First-Class" or "Third-Class Bulk." The appropriate mailing statements are required for such mailings entered at the reporting post office by representatives of the authorized user of the frank. For billing purposes, forward the mailing statements to the General Manager, Official and International Mail Accounting Division, Headquarters. Post offices must not report data for mail in the following categories on either Form 103 or the mailing statement: a. Third-class bulk and other franked mail sent in orange pouches from Washington, DC, in accordance with the Postal Operations Manual. This mail is counted and reported by the Washington, DC, Post Office. b. The value of special service fees paid on franked envelopes by affixed postage. c. Volume and revenue for postage and fees paid (penalty mail) matter sent by executive and judicial agencies and departments of the Federal Government. 137.153 a. Post offices regularly serving congressional district or state offices must forward Forms 103 to their management sectional center (MSC) no later than 1 workday after the test is completed. b. These post offices must submit negative reports on Form 103 even when no reportable franked mail items are received on the scheduled test dates. 137.154 a. Post offices not regularly serving a congressional district or state office do not report in this subsystem. b. If such post offices begin to receive franked mail on a regular basis, they must contact their division/MSC to determine if such post offices should be included in this subsystem. 137.155 a. Franked mail may be tendered to the local post office using whatever method is convenient to the congressional office and agreed to by the local postmaster, provided the mail is properly pouched and labeled. This includes deposit in a designated collection box, at a post office, or by way of daily mail collection service. Where collection service is provided, collection should be scheduled as late as possible, considering the needs of the congressional district or state office. b. Post offices serving a congressional district or state office must provide the office with orange pouches and outgoing pouch labels. The first visible line of the label must identify the facility where the designated functional unit responsible for sampling the mail is located. The second line is the contents line which must read "Congress--Data Collect Unit." The third line must include the Congressperson's last name and the ZIP Code of the congressional district or state office. If space permits, include the city name and state code of the congressional district or state office. Example: (Line No.) MCKEESPORT PA 15134 1 CONGRESS DATA COLLECT UNIT 2 GAYDOS MCKEESPORT PA 15132 3 c. Postmasters must make arrangements to ensure that the mail pouches are promptly delivered, on a daily basis, to the designated data collection unit responsible for sampling the mail. Pouches which are not sampled must be processed immediately. Window clerks must advise the designated data collection unit, on a daily basis, of the number of pieces of mail submitted with nonprepaid special services, identifying the Congressperson and Congressperson's district or state office ZIP Code. The number of pieces of mail for each specific special service must be identified. Postage-due units must be checked for any returned or shortpaid mail. d. To ensure the integrity of the statistical revenue estimates, congressional district or state offices should not be aware of scheduled test dates. 137.156 The Government Relations Department, Headquarters, must be advised of any problems experienced in serving a congressional district or state office. 137.16 Undeliverable-as-Addressed Franked Mail. Post offices must send franked mail bearing a Washington, DC, return address that is undeliverable as addressed and endorsed to guarantee return postage and/or address-correction service to the Superintendent of Government Mails, Washington, DC Post Office (for address, see Address List in Appendices). They must not return it to the individual Senator or Representative responsible for the mailing. 137.2 Penalty Mail--Executive and Judicial Officers 137.21 Definition. Penalty mail is official mail sent by agencies of the United States Government containing matter relating exclusively to the business of the Government of the United States which is authorized by law to be transmitted in the mail without prepayment of postage. For the purposes of 137.2 through 137.4, departments, agencies, corporations, establishments, commissions, committees, and any officers or other authorities of the United States Government authorized to use official penalty mail are generally referred to as "agencies." See 137.24 for a further description of who may send and what may be sent as penalty mail. 137.22 Collection of Postage and Fees. Agencies must reimburse the Postal Service the equivalent amount of postage and fees due for the penalty mail service they receive. Instructions governing the manner of reimbursement for penalty mail service are issued and administered by the general manager, Official and International Mail Accounting Division, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see Address List in Appendices). Agencies and any contractors authorized by them to use penalty mail services must promptly furnish, in the manner and form requested, all information which the manager considers necessary to ensure accurate measurements of penalty mail use and adequate budgeting for timely payment. The manager may require agencies to establish improved methods of estimating or measuring penalty mail volume, or to use penalty postage meters or other forms of direct accountability for the use of penalty mail services, where the manager determines such action is necessary to ensure proper reimbursement. Before making any such determination, the manager must consult with the agency involved to identify possible alternative actions which may be more efficient or more economical. If the manager decides to require the use of penalty postage meters or other forms of accountability for the use of penalty mail services, adequate advance notice must be given to affected agencies. 137.23 Prepayment of Postage and Fees. Agencies may choose to prepay postage by using regular postage stamps, commercial meters, or any other means available to private-sector mailers, in addition to or instead of the procedures described in 137.22. Mail which is prepaid in this manner is not considered penalty mail and must not contain the penalty indicia format elements described in 137.27. 137.24 Eligibility for Penalty Mail Privileges 137.241 General. Only matter relating exclusively to the business of the Government of the United States, mailed by officers of the executive and judicial branches of the Government, the Legislative Counsel for the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Superintendent of Documents, and, when it mails correspondence concerning the Congressional Directory, the Joint Committee on Printing, may be sent without prepayment of postage as penalty mail. Mail matter not relating exclusively to the business of the Government may not be sent as penalty mail. The Postal Service generally considers that the mailing department or agency should determine which matter relates exclusively to its own business. Departments and agencies authorized to mail matter as penalty mail should maintain rules and guidelines for the use of penalty mail privileges, which should include provisions concerning the circumstances, if any, when officers or employees may mail retirement announcements, Christmas cards, job resumes, complaints, grievances, and similar materials as penalty mail. Instances of questionable use must be referred to the agency. 137.242 Special Users of Penalty Mail a. Department of Agriculture (1) Extension and Home Economics. All correspondence, bulletins, and reports relating to agriculture extension work and home economics carried on in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture may be sent as penalty mail, when mailed by the college officer or other person who is connected with the extension department of the college and who has been designated by the Secretary of Agriculture. The designated officer may deposit mailings only at the post office authorized by the general manager, rates and classification center (see 132). Correspondence must be conducted under the name of the designated officer. Correspondence with an autograph signature may be sealed, but all other matter must be left unsealed. (2) Cooperative Extension Work. All correspondence, bulletins, pamphlets, and other matter promoting cooperative extension work as a Federal enterprise or otherwise relating exclusively to the business of the Government of the United States may be sent as penalty mail, when mailed by cooperative extension agents of the United States Department of Agriculture Extension Service, such as county agents, county home demonstration agents, farm management demonstrators, and farm forestry agents as part of their official duties. Correspondence mailed by cooperative extension employees must be signed by authorized agents of the United States Department of Agriculture, who must give their official titles to indicate they are officers of the United States Government and entitled to use penalty mail. (3) Research and Experimentation. Bulletins, reports, periodicals, reprints of articles, and other publications necessary for the dissemination of results of research and experiments, including lists of publications available for distribution, may be sent as penalty mail when mailed by agricultural experiment stations designated by the act of March 2, 1887, as amended by the act of August 11, 1955 (see 39 USC 3707(a)(4)). The officer in charge of a station which claims the privilege of sending materials through the mail without prepayment of postage must file an application at the post office where the station is located. The post office must forward the application to the general manager, rates and classification center (see 132). This application must state the date of establishment of the station, its name or designation, its official organization, the names of its officers, the name of the college, school, or institution, if any, to which it is attached, the state or territorial legislation providing for its establishment, and any other legislation granting it the benefits of the act of Congress cited above. Use of special services is not authorized for penalty mail of agricultural experiment stations. (4) College Reports. Annual reports (under 7 USC 325) of Government-aided colleges may be sent as penalty mail, when addressed to the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Agriculture, or to any other such Government-aided college. b. State Employment Security Offices. All mail prepared in accordance with 137.272b(4), 137.273, 137.274, and 137.276 by state employment security offices cooperating with the U.S. Department of Labor must be accepted without prepayment of postage or fees. Postage and fees chargeable are collected periodically under a special arrangement between the Postal Service and the U.S. Department of Labor. Such matter must be given the service indicated on the cover. c. General Secretariat of the Organization of American States and Pan American Health Organization (or Pan American Sanitary Bureau). The general secretariat of the Organization of American States and Pan American Health Organization (or Pan American Sanitary Bureau) are authorized by law to transmit official matter without prepayment. Detailed procedures for international mailings of these organizations are located in International Mail Manual 144.4 and 144.5.