150 Collection and Delivery 151 Mail Receptacles 151.1 Designation as Authorized Depository. Every letterbox or other receptacle intended or used for the receipt or delivery of mail on any city delivery route, rural delivery route, highway contract route, or other mail route is designated an authorized depository for mail within the meaning of 18 USC 1702, 1705, 1708, and 1725, except that doorslots and nonlockable bins or troughs used in connection with apartment house mailboxes are not letterboxes within the meaning of 18 USC 1725 and are not private mail receptacles within the meaning of 146.2. The post is not part of the receptacle. 151.2 Use for Mail Only. Except as provided in 151.528, the receptacles described in 151.1 may be used only for matter that bears postage. Therefore, other than as permitted in 151.528, no part of a mail receptacle may be used to deliver any matter not bearing postage. This applies to items or matter placed upon, supported by, attached to, hung from, or inserted into, a mail receptacle. Any mailable matter not bearing postage and found as described above is subject to the same postage as would be paid if it were carried by mail. (See 146.2 for procedures to be followed.) 151.3 Maintaining a Clear Approach to Mailbox. The customer is responsible for keeping the approach to his mailbox clear to facilitate delivery. Where the approach to the mail receptacle located at the curb is temporarily blocked by a parked vehicle during normal delivery hours for the area, or snow or ice hampers the approach to the mailbox, the motorized city or rural carrier normally dismounts to make delivery. If the carrier continually experiences a problem in serving curbline boxes and where the customer who is able to control onstreet parking in front of his mailbox does not take prompt corrective action after being properly notified, the postmaster may, with the approval of the sectional center manager, withdraw delivery service. 151.4 Receptacles to be Purchased by the Postal Service. Neighborhood delivery and collection box units (NDCBUs) and parcel lockers to be purchased by the Postal Service must be procured locally in lots not exceeding 100 units. Amendments to the provisions of this section (see 151.4) may be made only after notice is published in the Federal Register, with opportunity for public comment. 151.5 Curbside Mailboxes 151.51 Specifications for Manufacturers 151.511 Policy. Manufacturers of all mailboxes designed and manufactured to be erected at the edge of a roadway or curbside of a street and to be served by a carrier from a vehicle on any city, rural, or highway contract route must obtain approval of their products in accordance with U.S. Postal Service Standard 7 (USPS STD-7), Mailboxes, City and Rural Curbside. Construction standards and drawings (USPS-STD-7) for guidance in the manufacture of curbside mailboxes may be obtained by writing to the Delivery Management Division, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see Address List in Appendices). 151.512 Dimensions and Styles a. Approved Sizes and Styles. Three standard sizes and two styles of mailboxes are approved for use on city, rural, and highway contract routes: Traditional (T) and Contemporary (C) Mailbox Styles SizeLength1Width1Height1 T1 and C119"6-1/2"8-1/2" T2 and C221"8"10-1/2" T3 and C323-1/2"11-1/2"13-1/2" 1 Dimensions given in approximate inches. b. Variances. Curbside mailboxes may be constructed in any size between the maximum and minimum outside dimensions specified on approved drawings, provided that the general shape and the proportions of height, width, and length are maintained. 151.513 Application for Approval. To secure approval of a curbside mailbox, manufacturers must submit the following to the Delivery Equipment Division, Engineering and Development Center, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see Address List in Appendices). Manufacturers must also notify the Delivery Management Division by letter that mailboxes are being submitted for approval. a. Sample Mailboxes. No fewer than two complete mailboxes with markings required in paragraph 3.7 of USPS-STD-7 of each style made of exact materials, construction, coating, paint, etc., including the panels required by paragraph 3.14.8 of USPS-STD-7, and otherwise identical in every way with the boxes intended to be marketed. b. Instructions. A copy of the instructions required by paragraph 3.11 of USPS-STD-7. c. Color Samples. Color samples showing all color schemes to be used. d. Proposed Packaging. Boxes or packaging of the type proposed for shipping production units. e. Documentation. Two complete sets of manufacturing drawings and installation instructions, showing that the units submitted meet the requirements of USPS-STD-7. The drawings must be dated, signed, and certified to represent the production units exactly as submitted. The drawings must include sufficient details to allow the Postal Service to document and inspect all materials, construction methods, processes, coatings, treatments, finishes, control specifications, parts, and assemblies used in the construction of the units. The Postal Service may request individual piece parts to verify drawings. 151.514 Modifications During Application Process. No changes may be made by the manufacturer to its products or drawings without written notification of and approval from the Postal Service. Any changes must be submitted with an explanation of the reasons in writing and also documented in the revision block of the affected drawings. Two units of each type with the changes incorporated must be submitted for testing and approval. All changes are subject to written approval by the Postal Service. 151.515 Application Approval a. Authorizing Organization. The decision to approve or disapprove mailboxes is issued by the Office of Delivery and Retail Management, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see Address List in Appendices). All correspondence and inquiries must be directed to that office. b. Retention of Drawings and Sample Mailboxes. The Postal Service returns one set of manufacturing drawings to the manufacturer, together with written notification of approval or disapproval, including reasons for disapproval. The drawings are stamped and identified as representing the production unit type if the mailbox is approved. After testing, the Postal Service (1) retains approved boxes and (2) disposes of disapproved boxes unless the manufacturer requests their return and pays the shipping costs. 151.516 Production Units a. Construction. Manufacturers must construct production units in accordance with identified (stamped) drawings and USPS-STD-7. These units must be of the exact materials, construction, coating, workmanship, finish, etc., as the approved units. The Postal Service reserves the right at any time to examine and retest production units obtained either in the general marketplace or from the manufacturer, and may require the manufacturer to provide units for examination and testing. Failure of these production units to be manufactured in strict accordance with the approved units, the identified drawings, and the provisions of USPS-STD-7 may result in the rejection of units and the suspension or revocation of the manufacturer's authorization as an approved manufacturer through a decision issued by the Office of Delivery and Retail Management. b. Packaging. Mailboxes and accessories must be packaged in a manner to ensure arrival at destination in satisfactory condition. Boxes must be shipped fully assembled except that the following parts may be removed if necessary to protect them from damage: protruding portions, such as door latching hardware, mounting adapters, and mounting posts or stands. Containers and packaging must comply with the National Motor Freight Classification Rule 222, sections 2 and 3. Boxes must be suitably wrapped or protected and packaged in separate containers to prevent damage to painted surfaces by rubbing against other parts or the internal surfaces of the container. c. Changes. Manufacturers must receive written approval from the Postal Service before making any change to the production unit or the identified design drawings. Approval for changes requires resubmission of units for testing and updated drawings for review. 151.517 Marking. All curbside mailboxes must have the following legible inscriptions on the carrier service door: "U.S. MAIL" and "APPROVED BY THE POSTMASTER GENERAL." Manufacturers must mark these inscriptions by embossing on sheet metal, using raised lettering on plastic, or engraving on wood or other materials not suitable for embossing. The name and address of the manufacturer and the month and year of manufacture must also be marked on the box. Manufacturers must either emboss this marking on the rear wall or affix a permanent decal on the inside near the front opening of the box. 151.518 List of Approved Manufacturers. Following is a list of manufacturers of traditional and contemporary style curbside receptacles whose mailboxes have been approved by the Postal Service: Approved Manufacturers Type of Mailbox ] Approved ManufacturersType of Mailbox ADD ON'S BY FISCHER PO BOX 746 HUNTLEY IL 60142-0746C1 ARMOR PLATE MAILBOX INC PO BOX 1060 STERLING HEIGHTS MI 48311-1060C1 BACOVA GUILD LTD BACOVA VA 24122-9999C1 MR JERRY BALLINGER 5119 WEST U AVENUE SCHOOLCRAFT MI 49087-9769C1 BEACON PRODUCTS INC 6065A 17TH STREET EAST BRADENTON FL 34203-5002T2, C1, C2, C3 CARMEL WOOD PRODUCTS 24723 UPPER TRAIL CARMEL CA 93923-8343C1 CHICAGO HEIGHTS FURNACE SUPPLY CO INC 94-104 EAST 22ND STREET CHICAGO HEIGHTS IL 60411-4263T1, T2, T3 DECOR HOUSE PO BOX 1108 TEMPLE TX 76503-1108C1 EZ MAIL CORPORATION 62 CARROLL AVENUE PO BOX 4038 BRIDGEPORT CT 06607-4038T1, C1 INNOVATIVE PLASTICS CORPORATION 400 ROUTE 303 ORANGEBURG NY 10962-1395T2 THE JANZER CORPORATION 98 LINCOLN AVENUE LANGHORNE PA 19047-5238C1 LEIGH A HARROW COMPANY 411 64TH AVENUE COOPERSVILLE MI 49404-1234C1 MACKLANBURG DUNCAN PO BOX 25188 OKLAHOMA CITY OK 73125-0188T1, C1 NORTHWEST METAL PRODUCTS DIVISION OF NOLL MANUFACTURING COMPANY PO BOX 10 KENT WA 98035-0010T1 NORWELL MANUFACTURING COMPANY INC 82 STEVENS STREET EAST TAUNTON MA 02718-1398C1 PARKER MAILBOXES COMPANY 9571 HOKE BRADY ROAD RICHMOND VA 23231-9744C1 PONY EXPRESS MANUFACTURING PO BOX 7916 NASHUA NH 03060-7916C1, C2, C3 SAFE T BOX CORPORATION ROUTE 1 BOX 404 WASHINGTON WV 26181-9743C1 SHELLTER INC PO BOX 30011 INDIANAPOLIS IN 46230-0011T1 STEEL CITY CORPORATION PO BOX 1227 YOUNGSTOWN OH 44501-1227T1, T2, T3, C1, C2, C3 THE COUNTRY CORNER PO BOX 18 ORCHARD PARK NY 14127-0018C1 THE SOLAR GROUP SOUTHERN GEMINI PO BOX 525 TAYLORSVILLE MS 39168-0525T1, T2, T3, C2 TIMELY INDUSTRIES INC 701 MONTROSE AVENUE SOUTH PLAINFIELD NJ 07080-1887T1, T2, C2 TRAILSIDE MAILBOX INC 1993 STONEHENGE DRIVE LAFAYETTE CO 80026-9115C1 TUCKEY METAL FABRICATORS PO BOX 720 CARLISLE PA 17013-0720C1 VEEDERS MAILBOX INC PO BOX 42048 CINCINNATI OH 45242-0048T1, T2 WOOD QUARTERS INC 7914 RIDGEWOOD DRIVE JENISON MI 49428-7923C1 1--Curbside Box Size No. 1 2--Curbside Box Size No. 2 3--Curbside Box Size No. 3 T--Traditional Curbside Box Style C--Contemporary Curbside Box Style 151.52 Installation and Use 151.521 Custom-Built Curbside Mailboxes. Postmasters are authorized to approve curbside mailboxes constructed by individuals who, for aesthetic or other reasons, do not wish to use an approved manufactured box. The custom-built box must conform generally to the same requirements as approved manufactured boxes relative to the flag, size, strength, and quality of construction. 151.522 Painting and Identification. The Postal Service prefers that curbside mailboxes and posts or supports be painted white, although other colors may be used if desired. Where box numbers are used, the numbers must be inscribed in contrasting color in neat letters and numerals not less than 1 inch high on the side of the box visible to the carrier's regular approach, or on the door if boxes are grouped. Where street names and house numbers have been assigned by local authorities, and the postmaster has authorized use of a street name and house number as a postal address, the house number must be shown on the box. If the box is located on a different street from the customer's residence, the street name and house number must be inscribed on the box. Placement of the owner's name on the box is optional. Advertising on boxes or supports is prohibited. 151.523 Posts and Supports. Posts or other supports for curbside mailboxes must be neat and of adequate strength and size. They may not be designed to represent effigies or caricatures that tend to disparage or ridicule any person. The box may be attached to a fixed or movable arm. 151.524 Location. Curbside mailboxes must be placed so that they may be safely and conveniently served by carriers without leaving their conveyances, and must be located on the right-hand side of the road in the direction of travel of the carriers in all cases where traffic conditions are such that it would be dangerous for the carriers to drive to the left to reach the boxes, or where their doing so would constitute a violation of traffic laws and regulations. (For exception, see 156.312). On new rural or highway contract routes, all boxes must be located on the right side of the road in the direction of travel by the carrier. Boxes must be placed to conform to state laws and highway regulations. Carriers are subject to the same traffic laws and regulations as are other motorists. Customers must remove obstructions, including vehicles, trash cans, and snow, which make delivery difficult. Generally, customers should install boxes with the bottom of the box at a vertical height of between 3-1/2 and 4 feet from the road surface. However, because of varying road and curb conditions and other factors, the Postal Service recommends that customers contact the postmaster or carrier before erecting or replacing their mailboxes and supports. 151.525 Grouping. Boxes should be grouped wherever possible, especially at or near crossroads, at service turnouts, or at other places where a considerable number of boxes are presently located. 151.526 More Than One Family. More than one family, but not more than five families, on rural or highway contract routes, may use the same box, provided a written notice of agreement, signed by the heads of the families, or by the individuals who desire to join in the use of such box, is filed with the postmaster at the distributing office. 151.527 Locks. The use of locks on mailboxes on rural and highway contract routes is not required. If, however, a box is equipped with a lock, the box must have a slot large enough to accommodate the customer's normal daily mail volume. The Postal Service does not open locked boxes and does not accept keys for this purpose. 151.528 Unstamped Newspapers Curbside mailboxes are to be used for mail only, except that publishers of newspapers regularly mailed as second-class mail may, on Sundays and national holidays only, place copies of the Sunday or holiday issues in the rural and highway contract route boxes of subscribers, with the understanding that copies are removed from the boxes before the next day on which mail deliveries are scheduled. 151.529 Newspaper Receptacles. A receptacle for the delivery of newspapers may be attached to the post of a curbside mailbox used by the Postal Service, provided: no part of the receptacle touches or is attached to or is supported by any part of the mailbox, interferes with the delivery of mail, obstructs the view of the flag, or presents a hazard to the carrier or his vehicle. The receptacle must not extend beyond the front of the box when the box door is closed. No advertising may be displayed on the outside of the receptacle, except the name of the publication. 151.53 Nonconforming Mailboxes. Carriers must report to the postmaster any mailboxes not conforming to postal regulations. The postmaster sends Form 4056 to the owners of these boxes, requesting that they remedy the irregularities or defects. 152 Mail Deposit and Collection 152.1 Collection Times. Mail is collected in residential and business sections served by city carriers at times to connect with mail dispatches. Mail is also collected in business sections at frequent intervals to keep boxes from becoming overloaded and to provide an even flow of mail to the post office. 152.2 Ordinary Deposit of Mail 152.21 Post Office Lobby. Letterdrops are provided in lobbies of all post offices for the deposit of mail. 152.22 Collection Boxes. Collection boxes for the deposit of mail are placed at convenient points in areas served by city carriers, at noncity-delivery offices in front of the post office quarters, and in nonpersonnel rural units. 152.23 Rural Boxes. Mail on which postage has been paid may be deposited for collection in mailboxes on rural routes. 152.24 Vertical Improved Mail (VIM) Mailrooms. Mail may be deposited in bundle mail drops where provided. Otherwise, it may be left with the carrier on duty when the VIM call window is open. 152.3 Deposit of Mail With Employees. The following types of mail may be handed for dispatch to employees on duty in mobile units or transfer offices and at airport mail facilities: a. First-Class Mail on which postage has been paid. b. Thirdor fourth-class mail, presented by representatives of manufacturers or distributors of medicines or serums, when endorsed: "Emergency--This package has been weighed and bears necessary postage. Any additional postage found to be due is guaranteed by sender." Thirdand fourth-class mail, other than that described, and mail to be sent registered, insured, or COD, is not mailable with the employees identified above. c. Unless acceptance has been prearranged and previously authorized by the postmaster, only parcels which may be opened for postal inspection in the presence of the mailer to determine mailability of contents may be accepted at airport mail facilities. 152.4 Mailchutes and Receiving Boxes 152.41 Use 152.411 Mailing chutes and receiving boxes may be placed, at the expense of the owner, in public buildings, railroad stations, hotels, and business or office buildings of not less than four stories, and apartment houses of not less than 40 residential apartments. Buildings in which receiving boxes are located must be open to the general public, without restrictions, during the hours prescribed for mail collections. If the owner of a building does not desire to install a mailchute and receiving box, a receiving box only may be installed, provided the postmaster has determined it is necessary and has approved its installation. 152.412 Mailchutes and receiving boxes are intended for the deposit of First-Class Mail and small quantities of single-piece-rate third-class. Bulk-rate mailings of third-class mail may not be deposited in mailchutes and receiving boxes. 152.42 Installation, Specification, and Maintenance. Requests for the installation of mailchutes and receiving boxes must be approved by the postmaster, and he must be furnished the contract and specifications for any proposed chute and box. The specifications for mailchutes and maintenance procedures are covered in Publication 16, Mail Chutes, Receiving Boxes, and Auxilliary Collection Boxes: Regulations and Specifications. 152.5 Bulk Mailings. Mailings under permit indicia or at bulk rates must be made at times and places designated by the postmaster. These mailings are generally limited to ensure proper acceptance and verification. 152.6 Separation of Mail by Sender. Customers having large mailings should separate them into packages labeled "Local" and "Out of Town." These labels may be obtained from the post office. 152.7 Recall of Mail 152.71 Who May Recall Mail. Mail deposited in a collection box or post office may, with proper identification, be recalled by the sender, by the parent or guardian of a minor child, or by the guardian of a person of unsound mind who sent the mail. Form 1509, which may be obtained at any post office, must be submitted to the postmaster at the office of mailing. After processing, these applications and all related papers must be filed at the office of mailing. Exception: A Federal agency may recall any piece of mail which it sent as official mail (see 137.2), by submitting to any post office a Mailgram or an Express Mail letter identifying the specific piece of mail to be recalled. A postmaster at the office of address must comply promptly, if possible, with any recall request from a Federal agency for its own mail. This provision does not authorize any Federal agency to "recall" any mail which it did not send. This provision only excepts Federal agencies from the requirement imposed by the preceding paragraph on other postal customers filing recall orders to file them at the post office of mailing. Any Federal agency seeking to "recall" mail sent by another should be referred to the Inspection Service in accordance with 115.7. 152.72 Expenses. The mailer must pay all expenses of recalling mail, including the cost of any necessary telegrams, and the regular rate of return postage (except for First-Class Mail, which is returned without additional postage). 152.73 Original Postage. If mail recalled before dispatch is again presented for mailing, the original stamps are accepted for postage at face value. This does not apply to stamps in payment of registry, insurance, or COD fees. 152.74 Carriers. Carriers or collectors must not return mail deposited in a letterbox from which collection is made by a post office employee or which has come into his custody in the performance of his official duties. 152.75 Registered Mail. The customer must write or stamp "Withdrawn Before Dispatch" on his copy of the registered mail receipt, sign it, and surrender it. The customer's surrendered receipt must be attached to the post office copy. The same words must also be written or stamped on the face of the article. 152.76 Telegram. If the mail has been dispatched from the mailing office, the postmaster at that office telegraphs a request to the postmaster at the office of address for return of the mail. The mail must be carefully described to identify it and prevent the return of any other mail. Dispatch particulars must be furnished, if they assist in locating the mail. 152.77 Return. Return recalled mail to the mailing postmaster, reenveloped or rewrapped under penalty indicia. The mailing postmaster must deliver it to the sender on payment of the necessary fees and any postage due. Registered mail must be returned as official registered mail in a penalty envelope without charge for the registry fee. If the mail was delivered before the recall application or the telegram was received, a report to that effect is sent to the mailing postmaster, who informs the sender. The addressee must not be advised that mail has been recalled or that recall was requested. 152.8 Disposal of Mail on Request by Mailer 152.81 Requests a. Mailers who desire to withdraw mailings of 200 pieces or more, before delivery, may request the Postal Service to intercept their mail and dispose of it, rather than deliver the mail. b. A written and signed request must be submitted to the postmaster at the office of mailing. This request must contain an adequate description of the mail for identification, including dimensions, colors, weight, identifying markings, number of pieces, postage, and samples, if available. The request should also include the destination ZIP Codes of the mail and carrier routes, if known. c. Customers may notify postmasters of destination post offices, in writing, prior to the deposit of mail, that time-dated mail is to be received, and request the postmaster to dispose of it if received after the scheduled date. In addition to the information indicated in 152.81b, the customer must include the scheduled delivery date after which the customer does not want the mail delivered. d. The post office can only dispose of the mail if received after the scheduled date. The post office must then notify the customer of the disposal. 152.82 Additional Expenses. All additional expenses incurred in disposal of the mail, including long-distance telephone calls, must be paid by the mailer. 152.83 Postage. Disposal of mail on request by the mailer creates no obligation of the Postal Service to refund postage. (See 147.21 for conditions that justify postage refunds.) 152.84 Disposal Action a. Proper requests for disposal of mail must be acted on, if they are received at the destination post office delivery unit before the mail is processed by the carriers. b. Every practical effort is made to accommodate a request for disposal of mail. However, the Postal Service does not guarantee that a mailing can be completely gathered during processing, thereby stopping delivery of all pieces in the mailing. c. The postmaster or designated supervisor must verify mail matter to be disposed of and ensure that only mail described in the mailer's request is destroyed. 153 Conditions of Delivery 153.1 Delivery, Refusal, and Return 153.11 Conditions. The following conditions govern delivery, refusal, and return: a. Delivery to Addressee. The addressee may control delivery of his mail. In the absence of a contrary order, the mail is delivered as addressed. Mail addressed to several persons may be delivered to any one of them. b. Mail Refused When Offered for Delivery. The addressee may refuse to accept a piece of mail at the time it is offered for delivery. c. Mail Refused after Delivery. After delivery, an addressee may mark a piece of mail "Refused" and return it within a reasonable time, if the mail or any attachment is not opened, except the following: (1) Pieces sent as registered, insured, certified, COD, and return receipt for merchandise mail may not be refused and returned postage-free after delivery has been effected. (2) Mail sent to an addressee in response to the addressee's sales promotion, solicitation, announcement, or other advertisement, and which has not been refused when offered to the addressee, may not be refused and returned postage-free after delivery has been effected. Note: Mail which may not be refused and returned unopened under this provision may be returned to the sender only if enclosed in a new envelope or wrapper with a correct address and new postage. d. Mail Withheld from Delivery. An addressee may request his postmaster, in writing, to withhold from delivery for a period not exceeding 2 years any foreign letter or printed matter bearing a specified name or address appearing on the outside. Such mail is marked "Refused" by the post office and treated as undeliverable. e. Mail of Unknown Addressee. Where a person claiming to be the addressee of certain mail is unknown to the postmaster, the mail may be withheld, pending identification of the claimant. f. Refused Mail as Undeliverable. Matter refused by the addressee in accordance with 153.11b and 153.11c is treated as undeliverable (see 159). g. Remailing of Matter Returned to Sender. The mailer must not remail undelivered or refused mail returned to him unless it is enclosed in a new envelope or wrapper with a correct address and new postage. Returned shortpaid mail does not have to be placed in a new envelope (see 146.14). The necessary additional postage can be affixed to the original mailpiece. h. Mail Bearing Exceptional Address Format. Mail with an exceptional form of address (see 122.43) is always delivered as addressed and may not be forwarded. Only if the address is incorrect or incomplete, or if the mail cannot be delivered for another reason, is it treated as undeliverable (see 159). First-Class Mail that is undeliverable as addressed is returned to the sender. 153.12 Delivery to Persons Having Similar Names. Unless persons with similar names adopt some means to distinguish their mail, a postmaster must use judgment in making delivery. 153.13 Mail Delivered to Wrong Person. A person receiving mail not intended for him should promptly return it to the post office, endorsed "Opened by Mistake" with his signature, if the letter has been opened; otherwise, it should be endorsed "Not for..., Not at this address," etc. 153.14 Checks Issued by the Federal Government 153.141 Federal Government checks are delivered to the addressees, to persons who customarily receive their mail, or to other persons authorized in writing to receive their mail. Delivery must not be made to an attorney, claim agent, or broker, even though the addressee requests such delivery, unless the check is specifically addressed in care of the attorney, claim agent, or broker. 153.142 If convenient, the addressee may be alerted by ringing the bell or knocking on the door. The carrier is not required to await a response. 153.143 Delivery is withheld and the check returned to the sender immediately, if it is known that the addressee a. is deceased or both parties of a jointly addressed check are deceased, b. has moved without filing a change of address, even though the new address may be known, c. has reenlisted in the military or naval service, d. is under guardianship, or e. is a widow who has remarried and the check is not addressed to her in her new name. 153.144 Treasury checks enclosed in envelopes that do not indicate a date of delivery are delivered on the first scheduled delivery after receipt. 153.145 Treasury checks enclosed in envelopes that indicate a date of delivery are delivered on that date or the first scheduled delivery after that date. In emergency or other infrequent situations, customers receiving delivery service may request predelivery of their mail at the office of delivery, providing withdrawal of the mail does not interfere with carriers' delivery schedules. 153.15 Checks Issued by State and Local Governments. State and local government checks are handled in accordance with instructions printed on the envelopes. Certain checks have instructions not to transfer or forward. If undeliverable as addressed, such checks must be returned to the sender immediately. 153.16 Mail Marked "In Care Of" Another. Mail marked "In Care Of" another is delivered to the first of the two persons named who may call for it, or to the address of the person in whose care it is directed, in the absence of instructions from the addressee. 153.17 Restricted Delivery. Registered, certified, numbered insured, and COD mail that the sender has restricted in delivery to the addressee only may not be delivered to any other person, except as provided in 933. 153.18 Mail Marked "Personal." Mail bearing the word "Personal" is delivered in the same way as other mail for the addressee. 153.19 Holding Mail at Request of Addressee 153.191 Ordinary Mail. Ordinary mail, except First-Class Mail bearing return address of sender specifying a retention period, is retained at the office of address at the request of the addressee up to 30 days. Under unusual conditions, mail may be held for a longer period if the postmaster considers it practical. Customers may authorize the holding of their mail by signing Form 8076. 153.192 Express Mail. Express Mail shipments are retained at the office of address at the written request of the addressee for a specified day or days; i.e., Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays (see 224.222d). 153.2 Delivery of Addressee's Mail to Another 153.21 Delivery to Addressee's Agent 153.211 Unless otherwise directed, an addressee's mail may be delivered to his employee, to a competent member of the addressee's family, or to any person authorized to represent the addressee. A person or a number of persons may designate another to receive their mail. Designation of another person to receive mail should be in writing, but no special form is furnished or required. 153.212 An addressee may request delivery to a commercial mail receiving agency (CMRA), which holds the mail or forwards it to the addressee. Each such CMRA must be registered with the post office responsible for delivery to the CMRA. Any person who establishes or takes over the operation or management of a CMRA must provide written notice to the postmaster responsible for the delivery address. 153.213 When mail is to be delivered to a CMRA, Form 1583 must be signed by both the commercial agent and the addressee. The commercial agent or a notary public must witness the signature of the addressee. The addressee is required to furnish two items of identification, the particulars of which must be included on Form 1583. The original of the completed Form 1583 must be filed with the postmaster, and a duplicate copy of the completed Form 1583 must be kept on file by the CMRA in such a manner that it is at all times available for examination by postal representatives. The original copy must be filed alphabetically by name of applicant for each CMRA at the station, branch, or post office. The original of Form 1583 is filed without verifying the address shown thereon and without obtaining statements from references given, unless the postmaster is specifically requested to do so by the inspector-in-charge or when there is reason to believe the mail will be or is being used for unlawful purposes. In consideration of delivery of the mail to the CMRA, the addressee and the agent are considered to agree that a. no change-of-address order is filed with the post office when the agency relationship is terminated, and the duplicate copy of Form 1583 is returned by the CMRA to the post office endorsed with the termination date so that post office records are kept current; b. the forwarding of mail intended for the addressee is the responsibility of the CMRA; c. when remailed by the CMRA, the mail is subject to payment of new postage since delivery is deemed to have been made when the mail was delivered to the CMRA; and d. the CMRA must provide by June 1 an annual updated list of its clients shown in alphabetical order with cross references to CMRA addressee delivery designations. 153.214 To ensure that proper procedures are being followed by a CMRA, the postmaster a. may periodically monitor mail going to the CMRA to ensure delivery has been authorized through Form 1583; b. may, with the next higher level approval and notification to the inspector-in-charge, suspend delivery to a CMRA who, after proper notification, fails to comply with 153.212 and 153.213; c. may provide for an annual review at the CMRA to ensure compliance; d. may provide for periodic visits to the CMRA by account representatives; e. obtains annually from the CMRA a list of all clients which is used to update the files maintained at the post office; f. maintains expired Forms 1583 for 2 years from the date of expiration; and g. provides annually by June 1 a current list of CMRAs to the inspector-in-charge. 153.215 Each post office must maintain an ample supply of Forms 1583 to be provided to CMRAs upon request. 153.22 Mail Addressed to Minors. A minor's guardian may control delivery of mail addressed to the minor. If there is no guardian, and the minor is unmarried, then either parent may receive delivery of the minor's mail. 153.23 Mail Addressed to Incompetents. Where a person has been legally declared incompetent, his mail may be delivered under the order of his guardian or conservator. Where there is no legal representative, the mail is delivered as addressed. 153.24 Mail Addressed to Deceased Persons 153.241 Delivery. Mail addressed to a deceased person should be delivered as addressed. The mail may be received at the address of the deceased by anyone who would normally receive the addressee's mail at that address. If, after 10 days, there is evidence that the mail is not being picked up, it should be treated as undeliverable in accordance with Exhibit 159.14. 153.242 Mail Which Can Be Forwarded. Mail described in 153.241 may be forwarded to a different address, including that of an appointed executor or administrator, if an order of request is filed at the post office. 153.243 Mail Which Must be Returned. Federal Government checks addressed to a deceased person should be returned to the mailing Federal agency without attempting delivery. Other mail endorsed "Return to Sender if Addressee is Deceased" should be returned also without attempting delivery. 153.3 Jointly Addressed Mail 153.31 Delivery of Jointly Addressed Mail. Where mail is jointly addressed, for example, "Mr. and Mrs. John Doe" or "John and Jane Doe," neither party is entitled to control delivery of such mail over the objection of the other. Jointly addressed mail is delivered as addressed by the sender, as long as one of the addressees can receive it there. 153.32 Delivery of Mail Addressed to Husbands or Wives. Neither party may control delivery of mail addressed to the other. In the absence of specific delivery instructions, the mail must be delivered as addressed by the sender. 153.4 Delivery to Officials or Employees of Organizations 153.41 Mail directed to officials or employees of a government or private organization at the address of the organization is delivered to the organization when such mail is claimed both by an officer or employee and by the organization. This also applies to mail addressed in this manner to former officials or employees. 153.42 Mail addressed elsewhere to a public or private official by title or to the organization, even though marked to the attention of a particular person or title, is delivered to the organization, if it so directs. 153.5 Delivery to Officials or Employees of Corporations and Unincorporated Firms 153.51 Mail addressed to corporations is delivered as addressed or to an authorized agent. Where disagreement arises among corporate officers and others connected with the company, the mail is delivered in accordance with the order of the president of the corporation. 153.52 Mail addressed to unincorporated firms or partnerships is delivered as addressed, as long as the business is being conducted under the same name at the same address, despite some members of the firm breaking off relations. 153.6 Delivery to Persons at Hotels, Institutions, Schools, etc. 153.61 Mail Addressed to Patients or Inmates. Mail addressed to patients or inmates at institutions is delivered to the institution authorities who, in turn, deliver the mail to the addressee under the institution's rules and regulations. If the addressee is no longer at that address, the mail must be redirected to his current address. If the forwarding address is unknown, the mail is returned to the post office. 153.62 Mail Addressed to Persons at Hotels, Schools, etc. Mail addressed to persons at hotels, schools, and similar places is delivered to the hotel or school. If the addressee is no longer at that address, the mail is redirected to his current address. If the forwarding address is unknown, the mail is returned to the post office. For mail addressed to prisoners, see 115.97. 153.63 Registered Mail Addressed to Persons at Hotels and Apartment Houses. Registered mail addressed to persons at hotels and apartment houses is delivered to the persons designated by the management of the hotel or apartment house in a written agreement with the Postal Service. Form 3801-A must be executed for this purpose. If delivery of the registered mail has been restricted by the sender, it may not be delivered to the representative of the hotel or apartment house, unless the addressee has authorized that person in writing to receive his restricted-delivery mail. The authorization may be made on Form 3849, Form 3801, or by a letter to the postmaster. 153.7 Conflicting Orders by Two or More Parties for Delivery of Same Mail 153.71 Delivery to Receiver. Where persons make conflicting orders for delivery of the same mail, and they are unable to agree among themselves which party should receive the mail, the mail may be delivered to a named receiver or third party unanimously agreed to by the disputing parties. 153.72 Reference to Chief Field Counsel or Judicial Officer Department. Where the disputing parties are unable to select a receiver, they must furnish the postmaster all available evidence on which they rely to exercise control over the disputed mail. If after receipt of such evidence the postmaster is still in doubt as to who should receive the mail, the postmaster submits the case to the chief field counsel for informal resolution. If after 5 workdays, or such additional time as may be agreed to by all parties, no informal resolution is achieved and no order has been made by chief field counsel to return the mail to sender, the chief field counsel must forward the case file to the Judicial Officer Department for decision in accordance with the rules of procedure of that department. If a dispute is referred to the Judicial Officer Department, the postmaster must hold the disputed mail until such time as notice of final disposition is received from the Judicial Officer. 153.73 Delivery of Mail in Accordance With Court Order. When the same mail is claimed by different persons, and a court decides to whom delivery should be made, the mail is delivered in accordance with the court order. 153.8 Delivery of Parcels 153.81 Heavy or Bulky Parcels. A heavy or bulky parcel of any class is delivered as addressed, if facilities are available. 153.82 Unprotected Places. An uninsured parcel must not be left in an unprotected place such as a porch or stairway, unless the addressee has filed a written order or the mailer has endorsed the parcel "Carrier -- Leave If No Response." The endorsement must appear in the upper left corner of the address side of the piece or the upper left corner of the addressing area of the piece, directly below the return address. The endorsement and return address must be printed in the same reading direction as the delivery address, with a clear space of at least 1/4 inch above and below the endorsement. The lettering of the endorsement must be in bold print and as large as, or larger than, the lettering of the addressee's name and address but never smaller than 8-point type. The lettering of the endorsement must also stand out clearly against its background. 153.83 Multiple-Floor Buildings. Parcel post, registered, insured, certified, and special-delivery articles are delivered to the addressee or his authorized agent in person, without regard to the floor on which his office or apartment is located. Cooperation of customers is requested, however, in making arrangements for mail to be delivered on the first floor. 153.84 Second-Attempt Delivery. If an ordinary parcel cannot be delivered on the carrier's first attempt, a notice must be left at the address indicating that the parcel is being held awaiting call. If the parcel is not called for, a second notice is sent after 5 days. If there is no response within 5 days after the second notice and no retention period is specified by the sender, the parcel is treated as undeliverable. When a retention period is specified, it is observed up to 30 days after the first notice. A second attempt to deliver is made only if requested by the addressee. 153.9 Delivery to Military Organizations and Naval Vessels 153.91 Units Not Operating Military Post Offices. Mail addressed to the Commanding General, Commander, Commanding Officer, staff sections and other officials by title, and personnel of military organizations is delivered to unit mailclerks or mail orderlies when such individuals have been designated on DD Form 285 to receipt for all mail addressed to the unit for which he is designated. If the unit mailclerk or mail orderly has been designated on DD Form 285 to receipt for ordinary mail only, then registered, numbered insured, certified, and restricted-delivery mail addressed to individuals by name may be delivered to the unit mailclerk or mail orderly only if authorized by the addressee in a letter to the post office, on Form 3849 or Form 3801. 153.92 Units Operating Military Post Offices. All mail addressed to military organizations that operate military post offices is delivered to the military postal clerk or an assistant postal clerk or to a postal finance clerk for the organization. Additionally, mail for other military organizations may be delivered to military postal clerks or postal finance clerks for further delivery, when requested. 153.93 Identification. Unit mailclerks, mail orderlies, postal clerks, and assistant postal clerks must provide proper identification to obtain mail. DD Form 285, properly completed showing classes of mail that the bearer is authorized to receive, with the military identification card, or Government-issued identification bearing the individual's picture in the case of a civilian employee, is required. 153.94 Return Receipts. Return receipts for registered, numbered insured, and certified mail must not be completed by anyone other than the addressee. 154 Plant Load Operations 154.1 Definitions 154.11 Plant Loading. Plant loading is an operation in which the Postal Service receives mail at a mailer's plant and transports it in order to bypass handling that otherwise would be required at one or more postal facilities. Plant loads are authorized when they result in a benefit to the Postal Service (see 154.3). 154.12 Mailer's Plant and Mailings 154.121 Mailer's Plant. The mailer's plant is the non-Postal Service location where the mail is plant-loaded. 154.122 Plant Load Mailings. Plant-loaded mailings consist of mail from one mailer or the combined mailings of two or more mailers, loaded into one or more vehicles, which has been accepted by the Postal Service at the mailers' plants when (a) if required for each mailing, a single mailing statement is prepared and submitted by the mailers; or (b) appropriate postage is affixed to each item; or (c) an alternative method of paying postage using a permit imprint (i.e., itemized postage) is used, and a single mailing statement and a manifest covering the mailing are prepared and submitted by the mailer. 154.123 Mixed Classes of Mail. A mailer may combine in a single vehicle second-, third-, and fourth-class mail, provided (a) the mailings are physically separated, (b) a mailing statement is submitted for each mailing, and (c) the service standards are met for each class of mail combined in the vehicle or trailer. 154.13 Service Area 154.131 First-Class Mail. The service area for plant-loaded First-Class Mail is the service area of the sectional center facility (SCF) in which the mailer's plant is located. 154.132 Second-Class Mail. The service area for plant-loaded second-class mail is the appropriate service area of the SCF, state distribution center (SDC), or transfer hub in which the mailer's plant is located. 154.133 Thirdand Fourth-Class Mail. The service area for plant-loaded thirdand fourth-class mail is the service area of the bulk mail center (BMC) or auxiliary service facility (ASF) in which the mailer's plant is located. 154.134 Intraservice Area Plant Loads. Intraservice area plant loads are vehicle movements of mail from the mailer's plant to a mail-processing facility located within the service area of the mail-processing facility serving the mailer's plant. Handling at the local origin post office or other local acceptance facility is bypassed. 154.135 Interservice Area Plant Loads. Interservice area plant loads are vehicle movements of mail from the mailer's plant to a mail-processing facility located outside the service area of the mail-processing facility serving the mailer's plant. Handling at the local origin post office or other local acceptance facility and one or more intermediate processing facilities is bypassed. 154.14 Transportation Equipment 154.141 Vehicle. A vehicle is a trailer, straight truck, or other container used to transport mail by highway, railroad, or water. 154.142 Highway Transportation Vehicle. A highway transportation vehicle is a vehicle owned or leased for any term by the Postal Service or provided by a Postal Service highway transportation contractor for the transportation of mail exclusively over highways. 154.143 Rail Transportation Vehicle. A rail transportation vehicle is a vehicle provided by a Postal Service rail transportation contractor for the transportation of mail in whole or in part by rail. 154.15 Other Operations 154.151 Bobtailing. Bobtailing is the movement of a tractor without a trailer to or from a mailer's plant. 154.152 Deadheading. Deadheading is the movement of a tractor and trailer or other container or straight truck to or from a mailer's plant without transporting any mail. 154.153 Waiting/Holding. Waiting/holding occurs when a vehicle waits or is held at a mailer's plant for mail to be loaded into the vehicle. 154.16 Collection. Collection of mail is an operation in which the Postal Service transports mail from a mailer's plant or an authorized location other than a postal facility to the local post office or other designated local acceptance point. Collection of mail does not include any mail which both bypasses a handling and requires a mailing statement, except as set forth in 372.2. Plant-load regulations in 154 do not apply to the collection of mail as described in 154.16. 154.17 Expedited Plant Load Shipment. Under an expedited plant load shipment authorization, the Postal Service verifies the mail for presort and postage at the mailer's plant, and postage is paid at the post office where the mailer is authorized plant load. The mailer then transports the expedited plant load shipment at the mailer's expense to destination postal facilities where the shipment is deposited and accepted into the mailstream. Only plant load mailers who have been authorized to do so may transport expedited plant load shipments at their own expense under the conditions specified in 154.732 through 154.737. 154.2 Procedures for Authorization of Plant Loads 154.21 Filing Application. A mailer desiring to have mail plant loaded must complete Form 3815 and submit it to the postmaster of the post office serving the mailer's plant. The local postmaster reviews the application for completeness and forwards it to the management sectional center (MSC). 154.22 Action by MSC Manager. The MSC manager/postmaster approves an application if a. it meets the requirements set forth in 154.313a or 154.323a (Alternative 1, Minimum Volume and Maximum Mileage) and b. after coordination with the transportation management service center (TMSC) manager, it is determined that transportation equipment is available in accordance with 154.312. If the application is approved, the MSC manager sends a copy to the field division general manager/postmaster and TMSC manager as necessary. If the requirements set forth in 154.313a or 154.323a are not met, the MSC manager must send the application to the field division general manager for review in accordance with 154.23. 154.23 Action by Field Division General Manager/Postmaster 154.231 Intradivision Service Area. The field division general manager approves an application for an intradivision service area plant load if a. it meets the requirements set forth in 154.313b (Alternative 2, Cost-Savings Analysis) or 154.313c (Alternative 3, Mail-Processing Capacity) and b. after coordination with the TMSC manager, it is determined that transportation equipment is available in accordance with 154.312. The application is denied if the requirements of 154.313b or 154.313c are not met. 154.232 Interdivision Service Area. The origin field division general manager/postmaster and the serving TMSC approve an application for an interdivision service area plant load if it meets the requirements set forth in 154.323b (Alternative 2, Cost-Savings Analysis) or 154.323c (Alternative 3, Mail-Processing Capacity). The authorizing managers must notify the destination field division general manager/postmaster and TMSC manager of the approval in writing. The application is denied if the requirements of 154.323b or 154.323c are not met. 154.24 Notification of Action to Mailer. Each official acting upon an application must act upon it within 5 business days of receipt. The MSC manager must promptly notify the mailer in writing of the action taken. If the application is denied, the MSC manager must notify the mailer, specifying the reasons for the denial and informing the mailer of his right to appeal the denial. 154.25 Commencement of Operations. The application is approved if it meets all the requirements in 154.3 for either intraor interservice area plant loads, as appropriate. If the application is approved and the mailer desires plant-load operations, the mailer must enter into a plant-load agreement with the Postal Service. Plant-load operations may commence once the application is approved and the mailer enters into the agreement. 154.26 Failure to Meet Requirements. The local postmaster of the post office that serves the mailer's plant is responsible for monitoring plant-load operations and must notify his field division general manager if at any time a mailer fails to meet the requirements set forth in these regulations for two consecutive postal accounting periods or, instead, a period set forth in the mailer's plant-load agreement. The field division general manager then must reevaluate the plant-load authorization. 154.27 Appeal 154.271 Responsibility. If the field division general manager denies an application, the mailer may appeal to the National Plant Load Policy Committee at Postal Service Headquarters, which issues a final ruling on the application. Such an appeal must be filed with the Chairman of the National Committee within 10 calendar days of the date of the mailer's receipt of the division manager's notice of denial. The National Committee consists of the following officials or their designees; Director, Office of Transportation and International Services, Delivery, Distribution and Transportation Department, (chairman); Director, Office of Distribution Operations and Networks, Delivery, Distribution and Transportation Department; Director, Office of Classification and Rates Administration, Marketing and Customer Services Group; Director, Office of Fleet Management, Operations Systems and Performance Department; Director, Office of Product Marketing, Marketing Department; and Associate General Counsel, Office of Postal Rates and Mailing Rules, Law Department. The mailer files the appeal with the chairman, National Plant Load Policy Committee, Office of Transportation and International Services, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see Address List in Appendices). 154.272 Procedures. The mailer must specify in its appeal the reasons why the application should be approved. 154.3 Requirements for Approval of Plant-Load Applications 154.31 Intraservice Area 154.311 General. An application for an intraservice area plant load is approved if transportation equipment is available (see 154.312) and cost savings to the Postal Service are demonstrated under Alternative 1 (see 154.313a), Alternative 2 (see 154.313b), or Alternative 3 (see 154.313c). 154.312 Equipment Availability. Transportation equipment must be available to transport the mail to the BMC, ASF, transfer hub, SDC, ADC, MSC, or SCF in the service area of the mailer's plant. If equipment is not available, sufficient additional transportation equipment must be obtained, if possible. The application must not be granted until additional transportation equipment is obtained. 154.313 Cost Savings. The plant load must result in cost savings to the Postal Service. A cost savings can be demonstrated under Alternative 1 (see 154.313a), Alternative 2 (see 154.313b), or Alternative 3 (see 154.313c). a. Alternative 1: Minimum Volume and Maximum Mileage. The current and future volume of mail to be plant loaded must be at least 50% of a vehicle by weight or cube, and the mileage from the mailer's plant to the destination postal facility must be 150 miles or less. For mail verified and accepted at a mailer's plant, the Postal Service may allow mailings verified at the plants of two or more mailers located in the same service area to be combined to meet the minimum volume requirement. For mail verified and accepted at the bulk mail acceptance unit of the origin BMC, ASF, MSC, or SCF, the minimum volume requirement must be met by the mailings of only one mailer. (See 154.423 for requirements for verification at a postal facility.) b. Alternative 2: Cost-Savings Analysis. If the mailer does not meet the criteria in Alternative 1 (see 154.313a), cost savings to the Postal Service must be demonstrated using the analysis on Form 3815. c. Alternative 3: Mail-Processing Capacity. Even if the mailer does not satisfy either Alternative 1 (see 154.313a), or Alternative 2 (see 154.313b), the cost savings criteria may be deemed to be satisfied if the local origin postal facility is operating at or near its mail-processing capacity for the type of mail to be plant loaded. The field division general manager/postmaster determines whether a facility is at or near its mail-processing capacity and whether to authorize plant load in such cases. If the field division general manager subsequently determines that the local origin facility is operating below its mail-processing capacity for the class or type of mail to be plant loaded, the field division general manager must reevaluate the plant-load application. 154.32 Interservice Area 154.321 General. An application for an interservice area plant load is approved if transportation equipment is available (see 154.322) and cost savings to the Postal Service are demonstrated under Alternative 1 (see 154.323a), Alternative 2 (see 154.323b), or Alternative 3 (see 154.323c). 154.322 Equipment Availability. Transportation equipment must be available to transport the mail to the BMC, ASF, transfer hub, SDC, ADC, or SCF outside the postal facility's service area in which the mailer's plant is located. If equipment is not available, sufficient additional transportation equipment must be obtained, if possible. The application must not be granted until additional transportation equipment is obtained. 154.323 Cost Savings. The plant load must result in cost savings to the Postal Service. A cost savings can be demonstrated under Alternative 1 (see 154.323a), Alternative 2 (see 154.323b), or Alternative 3 (see 154.323c). a. Alternative 1: Minimum Volume and Maximum Mileage (1) Minimum Volume. The current and future volume of mail to be plant loaded must be at least 60% of a vehicle by weight or cube. Mailings of two or more mailers located in the same service area may be combined to make up the minimum volume. (2) Maximum Mileage for Highway (a) If the plant-load transportation is via highway and bypasses the origin SCF and at least one BMC, ASF, transfer hub, SDC, or ADC, the distance from the mailer's plant to the destination postal facility must be 275 miles or less. (b) If the plant-loaded transportation is by highway and bypasses only the origin SCF, the distance from the mailer's plant to the destination postal facility must be 150 miles or less. (c) There is no mileage criterion for plant-load transportation by railroad or water. b. Alternative 2: Cost-Savings Analysis. If the mailer does not meet the applicable criteria in Alternative 1 (see 154.323a), cost savings to the Postal Service must be demonstrated by using Part II of Form 3815. c. Alternative 3: Mail-Processing Capacity. Even if the mailer does not satisfy either Alternative 1 (see 154.323a) or Alternative 2 (see 154.323b), the cost-savings criteria may be deemed to be satisfied if the local origin postal facility is operating at or near its mail-processing capacity for the type of mail to be plant-loaded. The field division general manager/postmaster determines whether a facility is at or near its mail-processing capacity and whether to authorize plant load in such cases. If the field division general manager subsequently determines that the local origin postal facility is operating below its mail-processing capacity for the class or type of mail to be plant-loaded, the field division general manager must reevaluate the plant-load authorization. 154.4 Verification and Collection of Postage 154.41 General. All plant-loaded mail must be verified and postage and fees collected in accordance with the Domestic Mail Manual; DM-102, Bulk Mail Acceptance; and DM-103, Penalty Mail, except as provided below: 154.42 Verification of Intraservice Area Plant Loads 154.421 General. Intraservice area plant-loaded mail must be verified at the mailer's plant, at the origin MSC or SCF, if authorized by the MSC manager, or at the origin BMC or ASF, if authorized by the BMC or ASF manager. 154.422 Verification at the Mailer's Plant. Intraservice area plant-loaded mail must be verified at the plant by a clerk qualified to perform verification and acceptance procedures unless authorization to verify mail at the origin BMC, ASF, MSC, or SCF has been granted under 154.423 and 154.424. 154.423 Verification at Postal Facility. Authorization to verify mail at the origin BMC, ASF, MSC, or SCF may be granted only if all the following conditions are met: a. There is no detached mail unit (DMU) at the mailer's plant. b. The mailer is located within the service area of the BMC, ASF, MSC, or SCF where verification is to take place. c. Each vehicle contains the mail of only one mailer. d. Each vehicle contains no more than five mailings and each mailing is physically separated. e. If a mailing statement must be completed, the original must accompany the corresponding mailing in the vehicle. Where a single mailing is contained in more than one vehicle, a separate original mailing statement must accompany each vehicle for the segment of the mailing contained in each vehicle. f. If an alternative method of paying postage using permit imprint (e.g., manifesting) is used, an original of the appropriate mailing statement and a manifest must accompany each vehicle if there is only one mailing in the vehicle or one manifest for each mailing segment in the vehicle. Where a single mailing is contained in more than one vehicle, a separate original mailing statement and manifest must accompany each vehicle for each mailing segment. g. The mailer must maintain a plant-load control log containing (1) a copy of each mailing statement, numbered sequentially, (2) the number of each vehicle used to transport the plant-loaded mail, and (3) the name of the BMC, ASF, MSC, or SCF where verification is to take place. h. The mail can be physically verified at the BMC, ASF, MSC, or SCF. Therefore, the mailing cannot be shrinkor stretch-wrapped or otherwise prepared so that a presort verification cannot be performed. 154.424 Requirements for Verification at Postal Facility. If mail is to be verified at the origin BMC, ASF, MSC, or SCF, the following requirements apply: a. Before the vehicle leaves the mailer's plant, the mailer must place on the inside wall near the right rear door of the trailer a distinctive placard provided by the Postal Service that indicates that verification is required. The TMSC or logistics officer must notify the driver not to pick up the vehicle unless this placard is in the vehicle. The mailer may place a second placard on the outside of that trailer door. b. The TMSC must report the certified empty weight of the vehicle to the BMC, ASF, MSC, or SCF verification unit prior to the vehicle's arrival at the verification unit. 154.425 Corrective Action. If intraservice area plant-loaded mail is verified at the BMC, ASF, MSC, or SCF verification unit, and the verification shows an error rate of 5% or more, the mailer has the following two options: a. The mailer pays the single-piece rate on that portion of the mailing estimated to be improperly prepared. b. Within 24 hours, the mailer either transports the mailing, or arranges for the Postal Service to transport the mailing, to the mailer's plant, at the mailer's expense, for reworking the mailing to comply with the applicable makeup requirements for its class. If the mailer does not transport the mail or request transportation for it within 24 hours, the mailer must reimburse the Postal Service for detention in accordance with 154.6. 154.43 Verification of Interservice Area Plant Loads. Interservice area plant-loaded mail must be verified at the plant by a clerk qualified to perform verification procedures. 154.44 Payment of Postage and Fees. The mailer must pay postage and fees for plant-loaded mail to the origin post office prior to the vehicle being transported from the mailer's plant, except as provided in 137. 154.5 Preparation Requirements for Plant-Loaded Vehicles 154.51 Intraservice Area Plant Loads. Intraservice area plant-loaded vehicles must fill 50% or more of a vehicle by weight or cube. 154.52 Interservice Area Plant Loads 154.521 Vehicles Containing One Mailing. Interservice area plant-loaded vehicles containing one mailing must be prepared in accordance with the following preparation requirements for the appropriate class or type of mail: a. First-Class Mail (1) SCF Destination. When there is enough mail to fill 60% or more of a vehicle by weight or by cube addressed to the same SCF service area, the mailer must prepare a direct vehicle for that SCF. (2) ADC Destination. When, after making up all possible SCF vehicles, there is enough mail to fill 60% or more of a vehicle by weight or by cube addressed to the same area distribution center (ADC) service area, the mailer must prepare a direct vehicle for that ADC. (3) Remaining Mail. All mail remaining after all the above preparation requirements have been met is transported by the Postal Service, using appropriate transportation, to the postal facility selected by the TMSC. b. Second-Class Mail (1) SCF Destination. When there is enough mail to fill 60% or more of a vehicle by weight or by cube addressed to the same SCF service area, the mailer must prepare a direct vehicle for that SCF. (2) SDC Destination. When, after making up all possible SCF vehicles, there is enough mail to fill 60% or more of a vehicle by weight or by cube addressed to the same state distribution center (SDC) service area, the mailer must prepare a direct vehicle for that SDC. (3) Transfer Hubs. When, after making up all possible SCF and SDC vehicles, there is enough mail to fill 60% or more of a vehicle by weight or by cube addressed to the service area of the same transfer hub, the mailer must prepare a direct vehicle for that transfer hub. (4) Remaining Mail. All mail remaining after all the above preparation requirements have been met is transported by the Postal Service, using appropriate transportation, to the postal facility selected by the TMSC. c. Thirdand Fourth-Class Mail (1) SCF Destination. When there is enough mail to fill 60% or more of a vehicle by weight or by cube addressed to the same SCF service area, the mailer must prepare a direct vehicle for that SCF. (2) BMC or ASF Destination. When, after making up all possible SCF vehicles, there is enough mail to fill 60% or more of a vehicle by weight or by cube addressed to the same BMC or ASF service area, the mailer must prepare a direct vehicle for that BMC or ASF. (3) Remaining Mail. All mail remaining after all the above preparation requirements have been met is transported by the Postal Service, using appropriate transportation, to the postal facility selected by the TMSC. 154.522 Vehicles Containing Two or More Mailings. Interservice area plant-loaded vehicles containing two or more mailings must be prepared in accordance with the following preparation requirements for the appropriate class or type of mail: a. Two or more mailings, which independently have insufficient volume to require destination vehicles to be prepared, may be combined to make up an origin vehicle without meeting the requirements of 154.522b. b. Two or more mailings, which independently have sufficient volume to require destination vehicles to be prepared, when combined, must meet the preparation requirements described below. (1) First-Class Mail. When there is enough mail to fill 60% or more of a vehicle, by weight or by cube, addressed to the same ADC service area, the mailer must prepare a direct vehicle for the ADC. (2) Second-Class Mail. When there is enough mail to fill 60% or more of a vehicle, by weight or by cube, addressed to the service area of the same transfer hub, the mailer must prepare a direct vehicle for that transfer hub. (3) Thirdand Fourth-Class Mail. When there is enough mail to fill 60% or more of a vehicle, by weight or by cube, addressed to the same BMC or ASF service area, the mailer must prepare a direct vehicle for that BMC or ASF. (4) Remaining Mail. Mail remaining after all the above preparation requirements for the appropriate class or type of mail have been met is transported by the Postal Service, using appropriate transportation, to the postal facility selected by the TMSC. 154.53 Determination of Vehicle Makeup Requirements. The makeup requirements for plant-loaded vehicles are determined according to the destination of the mailings accepted by the Postal Service at the mailer's plant. Whenever possible, mailers should combine mailings in vehicles as a means of preparing the finest destination vehicles possible. 154.54 Corrective Action. If a plant-loaded mailing does not meet the preparation requirements for plant-loaded vehicles as required in 154.51 or 154.52, the mailer has the following two options: a. Rework the mailing so that it complies with the applicable makeup requirements for plant-loaded vehicles as required in 154.51 or 154.52. Note: If the mailing has been verified for presort, mail makeup, and postage payment purposes and has been accepted as mail at the mailer's plant, and then it is determined that the vehicle preparation requirements have not been met, the mailer must choose this option and rework the mailing. Vehicles must not be dispatched from the plant until the vehicle preparation requirements are met. b. Transport the mailing at the mailer's expense to a postal facility within the origin service area which has been designated by the origin postmaster and has the capability to process that class of mail. If this option is chosen, all applicable mailing statements must be submitted with the mailings. The origin postmaster must notify the designated postal facility in advance that the mailer has chosen to transport the mail at its own expense and is to enter the mailing at that facility. The mailing must be verified at the designated postal facility for proper presort and mail makeup for the class of mail and for postage payment purposes. The designated postal facility completes the post office portion of the mailing statements after the mailing has been verified and accepted and returns the mailing statements to the origin post office, where postage and fees must be paid. Note: The mailing cannot be verified at the mailer's plant, and acceptance of the mailings is dependent upon verification at the designated postal facility. 154.6 Reimbursement for Nonpostal Services 154.61 General. The Postal Service must obtain reimbursement from mailers for nonpostal services furnished by the Postal Service in providing plant-load service only as authorized below. 154.62 Detention of Trailers 154.621 General. The Postal Service must obtain reimbursement in accordance with 154.622 through 154.625 from plant-load mailers for detention of trailers where trailers furnished by the Postal Service to provide plant-load service are detained as a result of some action or inaction of the mailer. 154.622 Request to Detain Trailers a. Plant-load mailers desiring to detain trailers longer than the time necessary to load them must make such a request to the Postal Service at least 24 hours in advance of the requested date and time of the trailer's arrival. The mailer must agree to reimburse the Postal Service for the cost of detaining the trailers. The Postal Service must approve the request to detain trailers before the trailers are sent to the mailer's plant. b. If the mailer did not submit a timely request to detain trailers, but nevertheless detains trailers longer than the time necessary to load them, the mailer must reimburse the Postal Service for the cost of detaining the trailers. 154.623 Nonreimbursable Detention Period. Mailers who submit timely requests to detain trailers may do so for 24 hours without reimbursing the Postal Service for detention. The nonreimbursable period begins at the date and time the trailer arrives at the mailer's plant or, at the date and time at which the mailer requested the trailer to arrive, whichever is later, and ends 24 hours later, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. For example, if a trailer arrives at 5 p.m. on Friday, the nonreimbursable period ends 5 p.m. on Monday or 5 p.m. on Tuesday, if Monday is a holiday. 154.624 Determination of Reimbursable Detention Period a. If the plant-load mailer has submitted timely requests to detain trailers, the reimbursable detention period begins at the expiration of the nonreimbursable detention period. b. If the mailer did not submit timely requests to detain trailers, the reimbursable detention period begins at the date and time the trailer arrives at the plant, or at the date and time at which the mailer requested the trailer to arrive, whichever is later. c. The reimbursable period ends when the trailer is ready for dispatch and the mailer so notifies the Postal Service. 154.625 Calculation of Reimbursement. Reimbursement is made for each 24 hours, or fraction thereof, of the reimbursable detention period that a trailer is detained. After the nonreimbursable detention period ends, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are included in the calculation of detention reimbursement. a. Highway Transportation Trailers. Reimbursement for each highway transportation trailer is equal to the actual daily cost to the Postal Service to lease the trailer, multiplied by the number of detention periods determined per 154.625. b. Rail Transportation Trailers. Reimbursement for each rail transportation trailer is equal to the demurrage or detention charge payable by the Postal Service under the rail transportation contract under which the trailer is furnished to the Postal Service by the railroad. 154.63 Bobtailing, Deadheading, Waiting/Holding Charges. The Postal Service must obtain reimbursement from plant-load mailers for bobtailing, deadheading, or waiting/holding, where such charges are incurred in order to provide plant-load service as a result of some action or inaction by the mailer. Reimbursement is equal to the charge for such service payable by the Postal Service under the transportation contract. 154.64 Nonreimbursable Charges 154.641 Detention. The Postal Service does not obtain reimbursement from plant-load mailers for detention of trailers which results from some action or inaction of the Postal Service. 154.642 Other Operations. The Postal Service does not obtain reimbursement from plant-load mailers where bobtailing, deadheading or waiting/holding charges are incurred as a result of some action or inaction of the Postal Service. 154.643 User's Charges. The Postal Service does not obtain reimbursement from plant-load mailers for user's charges paid by the Postal Service to a railroad contractor for the movement of railroad trailers beyond the commercial zone of the railroad terminus. 154.7 Transportation 154.71 Selection of Mode of Transportation. The TMSC selects the least costly mode of transportation that can meet the service objectives for the class of mail plant-loaded. The mode of transportation is not changed at the request of the mailer. 154.72 Mailer Transportation. Mailers may transport their own plant-loaded mail when there is a highway contract between the Postal Service and the mailer, or the mailer has been authorized to transport plant-verified mail under the provisions of 154.73 and has entered into an Expedited Plant Load Shipment Agreement with the Postal Service. The awarding of a highway contract to the mailer or authorization under the provisions of 154.73 is not a factor in deciding whether to authorize the plant load. Any cost savings that may result from an expedited plant load shipment authorization may not be included in the cost-savings analysis for initial plant-load authorization or renewal. 154.73 Expedited Plant Load Shipment 154.731 Definition. Under an expedited plant load shipment authorization, the Postal Service verifies the mail for presort and proper preparation at the mailer's plant, and postage is paid at the post office where the mailer is authorized plant load. The mailer then transports the expedited plant load shipment at the mailer's expense to destination postal facilities where the shipment is deposited and accepted into the mailstream. Only plant load mailers who have been authorized to do so may transport expedited plant load shipments at their own expense under the conditions specified in 154.732 through 154.737. 154.732 Authorization a. Request. An authorized plant load mailer may seek authorization to submit expedited plant load shipments by submitting a written request to the field division general manager/postmaster who authorized the plant load. The mailer's request must describe, for each destination to which mail is to be transported, the material to be deposited as an expedited plant load shipment (e.g., the class, characteristics, and quantity), the frequency of mailing, and whether the request is for one or for a series of specific mailings. No form is provided for this purpose. b. Action on Mailer's Request. The field division general manager/postmaster or designee reviews the mailer's request, obtains appropriate advice from the serving TMSC, ensures the availability of sufficient postal resources (e.g., DMU staff) to support the mailer's request, and provides the mailer with a written decision. If the request is approved, the authorization is for a specific mailing or group of mailings, and for a time period not to exceed 2 years, after which a new request must be submitted. If the request is denied, the denial notice must explain the reasons for that decision. A denial is considered a classification decision and may be appealed as provided by 133. c. General Conditions. The mailer's request for expedited plant load shipment authorization may be approved when such approval is in the best interest of the Postal Service and the following conditions exist: (1) the mailer is in compliance with the requirements for a plant load operation; (2) the mailer has complied with the additional requirements for expedited plant load shipment; (3) the mailer has obtained the necessary permits, and has established the appropriate postage accounts at the post office administering the plant load (office of mailing); (4) the mailer has demonstrated the need for authorization because the nature of the mailings to be prepared as expedited plant load shipments requires a level of service or a timeframe for delivery (delivery window) that the normal mode of Postal Service transportation for that class of mail cannot provide or meet. d. Plant Load Agreement. If the expedited plant load shipment request is approved for more than one-time use, the plant load agreement must be amended by attaching a completed and signed Form 8026, and additional documents detailing the material to be prepared as expedited plant load shipments. 154.733 Verification and Collection of Postage. All mail which is part of a expedited plant load shipment mailing must be verified and have postage and fees collected according to the class of mail as required in this manual, Handbook DM-102, Bulk Mail Acceptance, and Handbook DM-103, Penalty Mail, before it is loaded into mailer-supplied transportation and dispatched. The plant-load requirements in 154.421, 154.422, 154.43, and 154.44 must be met. 154.734 Liability. The mailer assumes all liability and responsibility for any loss or damage to the shipment before it is deposited in and accepted at a postal facility, whether or not a third party is used to transport it. The Postal Service is not liable or responsible for any loss of or damage to an expedited plant load shipment before it is deposited in and accepted at a postal facility. 154.735 Mailer Responsibilities. Mailers who are authorized to have mail verified in their plant and paid for at the post office serving the mailer's plant (plant-load authorization) and to transport that mail at their own expense for deposit at a destination postal facility (or facilities), must adhere to the following requirements before expedited plant load shipments can be deposited at destination postal facilities: a. The postal facility (or facilities) at which the mail is to be deposited must be one that processes the class of mail to be deposited. b. All the mailpieces in each expedited plant load shipment must destinate within the service area of the postal facility where the shipment is deposited and accepted. For example, if an expedited plant load shipment is deposited at a BMC, all the pieces in the shipment must be for addresses within the service area of that BMC. c. The mailer must contact each postal facility where the expedited plant load shipment is to be deposited to arrange and obtain approval for a time and location to deposit the plant-verified mail. d. When a vehicle contains more than one expedited plant load shipment that is to be drop-shipped to a single destination postal facility, each shipment must be physically separated. When a vehicle contains mailings or mailing segments for more than one destination facility, the mail must be physically separated by destination, and then within each destination the mail must be physically separated by mailing or mailing segment. e. When the vehicle used for expedited plant load shipment also contains other material carried as freight, the mailer must load all freight in the nose (front) of the vehicle, clearly marked and separated from the expedited plant load shipment, and must ensure that the method of separation prevents the freight and expedited plant load shipment from becoming mixed in transit. f. When the vehicle is loaded to make multiple stops, the mailer must ensure that only the appropriate shipment is removed at each stop, that no other material (mail or freight) is added, and that any remaining shipments are kept separate from any other freight remaining on the vehicle. g. The mailer must present the required mailing statements and documentation to the DMU for each mailing. At destination, the mailer must provide the necessary documentation (provided by the Postal Service) to prove the required postage was paid for the expedited plant load shipment. h. The mailer must meet the requirements that apply to any presort or automation-based rates claimed on the mailing being prepared as an expedited plant load shipment. Expedited plant load shipments are not eligible for destination entry rates. 154.736 Detached Mail Unit (DMU) Responsibilities. When mailers are authorized to transport an expedited plant load shipment at their own expense to a destination postal facility, the DMU employees assigned to the mailer's plant must verify those mailings as they would all other mail that is to be accepted under the plant-load authorization, including the following: a. Prior to Dispatch. Prior to the dispatch of an expedited plant load shipment, DMU employees must perform the following additional activities for mail loaded onto mailer-provided transportation: (1) Observe the loading of each vehicle used to transport an expedited plant load shipment. (2) Complete the origin post office section of Form 3607-C for each mailing or mailing segment contained in each vehicle for each postal facility where mail is to be deposited. (3) Complete a Form 8017 for each vehicle dispatched. Place the form on the inside rear sidewall of the vehicle. Completion of more than one Form 8017 is required for mail to be deposited at multiple postal facilities. (4) Ensure that any material carried as freight on the same vehicle as an expedited plant load shipment is confined to the nose (front) of the vehicle, is separated by a clearly marked separation, and is loaded to avoid becoming mixed with the expedited plant load shipment in transit. (5) Placard the mailer-provided transportation with Form 5111-R and seal the vehicle. b. After Dispatch. After the dispatch of an expedited plant load shipment, the DMU must perform the following activities: (1) Upon receipt of Forms 3607-C and Forms 8017 from destination post offices pursuant to 154.737, reconcile the forms with the mailing statements to ensure that those offices received the correct volume of mail. (2) Follow up with any post office where an expedited plant load shipment was deposited but from which no Form 3607-C or Form 8017 was returned. 154.737 Destination Postal Facility Responsibilities a. Postal facilities where expedited plant load shipment mailings are deposited must complete the destination post office section of Form 8017 and Form 3607-C accompanying the vehicle and return them to the postmaster of the post office where the mailer's plant load is authorized. b. Each destination postal facility receiving expedited plant load shipments must determine whether the mailer's vehicle has other expedited plant load shipments on board for deposit at other postal facilities. If more shipments are found, the vehicle must be sealed by postal personnel prior to departure. If the vehicle is empty or found to contain only freight, no postal seal is applied. c. Additional mail for downstream postal facilities must not be loaded onto the mailer's vehicle by any postal facility at which the mailer has deposited an expedited plant load shipment. 154.738 Refunds. The Postal Service does not refund postage for any failure to provide service that is caused in whole or in part by any event that occurs before the shipment is deposited in and accepted at a postal facility, except in accordance with 147.2. 154.74 Holding, Storing, or Delaying Dispatch. The Postal Service will not hold, store, or otherwise delay the dispatch of plant-loaded mail released to the Postal Service, except as provided in the plant-load agreement with the mailer. 154.75 Relocation of Trailers. The Postal Service must not relocate trailers at a mailer's plant. 154.8 Service Objectives. The service objectives that apply to the class of mail being transported apply to the plant-loaded mail. Plant-loaded mail may have deferred service objectives, if provided for in the plant-load agreement. 155 City Delivery 155.1 Requirements for Delivery Service 155.11 Establishment. In this part, "establishment" refers to the initiation of city delivery service in a community which currently does not receive it. In establishing city delivery service, a combination of delivery methods is considered to provide adequate service to all residential and business sections of a community. All establishments of delivery service must have final approval of the regional postmaster general or the designee. Establishment of delivery service is considered when the following essential requirements are met: a. Within the area to be served there is a population of 2,500 or more or 750 possible deliveries. (The postal population may vary greatly from the general census population because of different boundary interpretations and designations.) b. At least 50% of the building lots in the area to be served are improved with houses or business places. Where a house or building and its yard or ground cover more than one lot, all lots so covered are considered to be improved. c. The streets are paved or otherwise improved to permit the travel of post office vehicles at all times, without damage or delay. d. Streets are named and house numbers are assigned by the appropriate municipal authorities in a manner which precludes duplicate mailing addresses. e. The street signs are in place and the house numbers are displayed. f. The rights-of-way, turnouts, and areas adjacent to the roads and streets are sufficiently improved so that the installation and servicing of boxes are not hazardous to the public or postal employees. g. Satisfactory walks exist for the carrier where required. h. Approved mail receptacles or doorslots are installed at designated locations. 155.12 Extensions. In this part, "extension" refers to the initiation of city delivery service in any areas which are not included in the boundaries of present delivery service, but which are part of a community for which city delivery service has already been established. The delivery service requirements for extensions are the same as those listed in 155.11 for establishments, except that a. section 155.11a does not apply to extensions, and b. the applicability of 155.11b may be waived if (1) there is a reasonable expectation that the requirements of 155.11b can be met within 12 months, and (2) clusterboxes or neighborhood box units are to be used for delivery. 155.13 Existing Establishments and Extensions Not Affected. Nothing in this part shall be interpreted to require any changes in any city delivery service initiated under prior city delivery regulations. 155.2 Delivery Policy--Establishment and Extensions 155.21 General. Establishment or extension of city delivery service is considered for those areas meeting the criteria in 155.11 and 155.12. Normally, this is by motorized carrier to curbline boxes or to central delivery points or receptacles, supplemented as given below. 155.22 Business Areas. The type and design of buildings govern the method of delivery service to be implemented. The delivery options are the following: a. Central delivery service for business office buildings, which may include (1) call windows, (2) post office boxes, or (3) mechanical conveyors. Note: Available only for highrise, multiple-tenant buildings, and only if certain conditions are met. For details, consult your postmaster. b. Single points, receptacles, or doorslots provided by business management. 155.23 Residential Housing (Except Apartment Houses and Mobile or Trailer Homes) 155.231 General. For all residential areas, except apartment houses and mobile or trailer homes, the delivery options are either curbside, sidewalk, or central delivery, under the regulations given below. 155.232 Curbside Delivery. Delivery may be provided to boxes located at the curb so they can be safely and conveniently served by the carrier from his vehicle. 155.233 Sidewalk Delivery a. If the sidewalk abuts the curb or if other unusual conditions exist (e.g., excessive street parking) that make it difficult or impractical to install or serve boxes at the curbline, those customers may be permitted to install all their boxes at the edge of the sidewalk nearest the residence, where they can all be served by the carrier from the sidewalk. b. If the average lot frontage is 75 feet or less, the boxes are not required to be grouped together; but, if the average lot frontage exceeds 75 feet, the boxes must be installed in groups of at least two. c. If the average lot frontage is 50 feet or less, customers may locate their mailboxes at the edge of the sidewalk nearest the residence rather than at the curb, regardless of whether the sidewalk abuts the curb or other unusual conditions exist. All the boxes must be located so that the carrier can serve them from the sidewalk. 155.234 Central Delivery. Central delivery may be provided at one or more central locations within a residential housing development, community, or area. The requirements for such delivery are the following: a. The local postal managers must approve the mailbox sites and equipment; b. There must be a minimum of two mailboxes erected at one site (there is no maximum limit); and c. The customers must not be required to travel an unreasonable distance to obtain their mail. 155.235 Central Delivery Addresses. Central delivery mail receptacles (including neighborhood box units/clusterboxes, delivery centers, and postal centers) must be identified by the same addresses as the dwellings for which they serve as mail receptacles. These identical addresses should be placed inside the boxes so as to be visible only to the carrier as he serves the receptacle or the customer. For security or privacy, mailer associations or customer groups may use another alphanumeric identification system that is not part of the mailing address. 155.24 Apartment Houses. See 155.6 for delivery options. 155.25 Mobile or Trailer Homes. The delivery options for mobile or trailer home developments depend upon whether the development is permanent or transient. 155.251 Permanent developments consist of managed mobile home parks or residential mobile home subdivisions where the lots are permanently assigned, the streets are maintained for public use, and the conditions are similar to those of a normal residential subdivision. For permanent developments, the delivery options are either curbside, sidewalk, or central delivery, under the regulations given below. a. Curbside Delivery. Delivery service may be provided to boxes which are located at the curb so that they can be safely and conveniently served by the carrier from the vehicle. b. Sidewalk Delivery (1) If the sidewalk abuts the curb or other unusual conditions exist (e.g., excessive street parking) that make it difficult or impractical to install or serve boxes at the curbline, those customers may install all their boxes at the edge of the sidewalk nearest the residence where they can all be served by the carrier from the sidewalk. (2) In such conditions, if the average lot frontage is 75 feet or less, the sidewalk boxes are not required to be grouped together; but, if the average lot frontage exceeds 75 feet, the sidewalk boxes must be installed in groups of at least two. (3) If the average lot frontage is 50 feet or less, the customers may be permitted to locate all their mailboxes at the edge of the sidewalk nearest the residence, rather than at the curb, regardless of whether the sidewalk abuts the curb or other unusual conditions exist. All the boxes must be located so the carrier can serve them from the sidewalk. c. Central Delivery (1) Delivery service may be provided to a single point or receptacle designated by the management of the development for the receipt of mail for distribution by its employees. (2) Delivery service may be provided to one or more central points for the direct receipt of mail by postal customers within the area. (3) The requirements for such central delivery are (a) the local postal managers must approve the mailbox and equipment, (b) there must be a minimum of two mailboxes erected at one site (there is no maximum limit), and (c) the customers must not be required to travel an unreasonable distance to obtain their mail.