Chapter 6 Third-Class Mail 610 Rates and Fees 611 Rates 611.1 Single-Piece Rates 611.11 General. The single-piece rates in Exhibit 611.11 are applied to each addressed piece based on its weight. Exhibit 611.11 WeightRate Not exceeding 1 oz. $0.29 Over 1 oz., but not exceeding 2 ozs. 0.52 Over 2 ozs., but not exceeding 3 ozs. 0.75 Over 3 ozs., but not exceeding 4 ozs. 0.98 Over 4 ozs., but not exceeding 6 ozs. 1.21 Over 6 ozs., but not exceeding 8 ozs. 1.33 Over 8 ozs., but not exceeding 10 ozs.1.44 Over 10 ozs., but not exceeding 12 ozs.1.56 Over 12 ozs., but not exceeding 14 ozs.1.67 Over 14 ozs., but less than 16 ozs. 1.79 Exhibit 611.11 611.12 Exception. When the postage rate computed at the single-piece third-class rate is higher than any fourth-class rate, for which the matter and mailing could qualify except for weight, the lower fourth-class rate should be paid. Example 1: A third-class parcel containing merchandise weighing between 14 and 16 ounces may be mailed at the parcel post rate if that rate is lower. Example 2: A catalog weighing less than 1 pound, which otherwise meets all prescribed requirements of fourth-class bound printed matter except for weight, may be mailed at the applicable fourth-class bound printed matter rate. 611.13 Keys and Identification Devices 611.131 General. Keys and identification devices, such as identification cards or identification tags which are without cover, may be mailed at third-class rates if they bear, contain, or have securely attached, the name and complete post office address of a person, organization, or concern, with instructions to return to such address, and a statement guaranteeing the payment of the postage due upon delivery. 611.132 Computation of Postage. The rate for keys and identification items placed loose in the mail under the conditions in 611.131 is applied to each item according to its weight. 611.133 Rates. The rates applied to keys and identification devices are shown in Exhibit 611.13. Exhibit 611.13 WeightRate Not exceeding 2 ozs. $0.92 Over 2 ozs., but not exceeding 4 ozs. 1.43 Over 4 ozs., but not exceeding 6 ozs. 1.94 Over 6 ozs., but not exceeding 8 ozs. 2.45 Over 8 ozs., but not exceeding 10 ozs. 2.96 Over 10 ozs., but not exceeding 12 ozs. 3.47 Over 12 ozs., but not exceeding 14 ozs. 3.98 Over 14 ozs., but less than 16 ozs. 4.49 Exhibit 611.13] 611.2 Bulk Rates 611.21 General. The bulk rates shown in Exhibit 611.2a through Exhibit 611.2g apply to mailings meeting the conditions in 623 and 624. Exhibit 611.2a is a summary of bulk third-class rates and the various discounts that apply to those rates. Exhibit 611.2b through Exhibit 611.2g present those rates, by physical characteristic and by regular or special rate eligibility, with the appropriate discount included in the rate presented. The special bulk rates may be used only by organizations that have been authorized by the Postal Service as provided in 625 and 626. Exhibit 611.2a Regular Special ------------------------------------------------------------ Rate.2067 lb. (3.3067 More than.2085 lb. (3.3367 More than or oz.) or less .2067 lb. oz.) or less .2085 lb. Discount (per piece)(3.3067 oz.) (per piece)(3.3367 oz) ----------------------------------- Letters Other(per piece + Letters Other(per piece than per pound) than per pound) LettersLetters All pieces All pieces --------------------------------------------------------------------- BASE RATE $0.198 $0.233$0.109/pc.+ $0.111$0.146$0.063/pc.+ (Basic Presort) 0.600/lb. 0.398/lb. --------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCOUNTS Presort: 3/5$0.033$0.046$0.046/pc.$0.013$0.014$0.014/pc. Carrier Route 0.067 0.091 0.091/pc. 0.037 0.045 0.045/pc. 125pc. W-S ---- 0.096 0.096/pc. ---- 0.047 0.047/pc. Saturation W-S 0.074 0.106 0.106/pc. 0.040 0.052 0.052/pc --------------------------------------------------------------------- Dest. Entry: BMC$0.012$0.012$0.058/lb.$0.012$0.012$0.058/lb. SCF 0.017 0.017 0.081/lb. 0.017 0.017 0.081/lb. Delivery Unit 0.022 0.022 0.104/lb. 0.022 0.022 0.104/lb. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Automation-based rates are available for pieces weighing not more than 3 ounces. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Automation: ZIP+4:.1563 lb. (2.5 oz.) max..1563 lb. (2.5 oz.) max. (Basic Presort)$0.009$0.007 (3/5 Presort) 0.004 0.004 ZIP+4 Barcoded:.1875 lb. (3.0 oz.) max..1875 lb. (3.0 oz.) max. (Basic Presort)$0.019$0.017 (3-digit sort) 0.011 0.010 (5-digit sort) 0.019 0.017 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Exhibit 611.2a, Summary of Third-Class Rates and Discounts Note: The discounts shown are subtracted from the base rate to yield the net postage that must be paid. Each automation discount is in addition to a specific presort discount. Some addressed pieces may be eligible for more than one discount. Some combinations of discounts may be required or prohibited. See 624 for the eligibility requirements that apply to each discount. TABLE SPECS T601-T606 ARE IN STYLE SPEC RegularSpecial Rate.2067 lb. (3.3067 More than.2085 lb. (3.3367 More than oroz.) or less .2067 lb.oz.) or less .2085 lb. Discount(per piece)(3.3067 oz.)(per piece) (3.3367 oz.) Letters Other(per piece + Letters Other(per piece than per pound) than per pound) LettersLetters All pieces All pieces BASE RATE$0.198 $0.233$0.109/pc.+ $0.111 $0.146$0.063/pc.+ (Basic Presort)0.600/lb.0.398/lb. DISCOUNTS Presort 3/5$0.033 $0.046 $0.046/pc. $0.013 $0.014 $0.014/pc. Carrier Route0.0670.0910.091/pc.0.0370.045 0.045/pc. 125-Piece W-S----0.0960.096/pc.----0.047 0.047/pc. Saturation W-S0.0740.1060.106/pc.0.040 0.0520.052/pc. Dest. Entry BMC $0.012 $0.012 $0.058/lb. $0.012 $0.012 $0.058/lb. SCF0.0170.0170.081/lb.0.0170.017 0.081/lb. Delivery Unit0.022 0.022 0.104/lb.0.022 0.022 0.104/lb. Automation ZIP+4.1563 lb. (2.5 oz.) maximum.1563 lb. (2.5 oz.) maximum (Basic Presort) $0.009 $0.007 (3/5 Presort)0.0040.004 ZIP+4 Barcoded.1875 lb. (3.0 oz.) maximum NOT AVAILABLE .1875 lb. (3.0 oz.) maximum NOT AVAILABLE (Basic Presort) $0.019 $0.017 (3-digit sort)0.0110.010 (5-digit sort)0.0190.017 Note: The discounts shown are subtracted from the base rate to yield the net postage that must be paid. Each automation discount is in addition to a specific presort discount. Some addressed pieces may be eligible for more than one discount. Some combinations of discounts may be required or prohibited. See 624 for the eligibility requirements that apply to each discount. Exhibit 611.2a, Summary of Third-Class Rates and Discounts] Exhibit 611.2b For Viewing Only Nonautomation-Based Rates Carrier Basic 3/5 Route Saturation Automation-Based Rates Basic 3/5 Basic 3-Digit 5-Digit ZIP+4 ZIP+4 Barcoded Barcoded Barcoded HEADING 10 COL TABLE ] BODY OF 10 COL TABLE ] 11 COL TABLE HEADING ] BODY OF 11 COL TABLE ] ] ] Entry DiscountNonautomation-Based Rates Automation-Based Rates Basic3/5Carrier Route Saturation Basic ZIP+43/5 ZIP+4 Basic Barcoded3-Digit Barcoded 5-Digit Barcoded None$0.198$0.165$0.131$0.124 $0.189$0.161$0.179$0.154$0.146 BMC0.1860.1530.1190.112 0.1770.1490.1670.1420.134 SCF0.1810.1480.1140.107 0.1720.1440.1620.1370.129 Delivery Unit --------0.1090.102 -------------------- Note: See 521.3 and 628.113 for additional weight restrictions for automation-based rates. Exhibit 611.2b, Regular Bulk Third-Class Letter-Size Minimum Per Piece Rates for Pieces Weighing .2067 Lb. (3.3067 Oz.) or Less Exhibit 611.2c For Viewing Only Nonautomation-Based Rates Carrier 125-PC Saturation Basic 3/5 Route W-S W-S Automation-Based Rates Basic 3/5 Basic 3-Digit 5-Digit ZIP+4 ZIP+4 Barcoded Barcoded Barcoded Entry DiscountNonautomation-Based Rates Automation-Based Rates Basic3/5Carrier Route125-PC W-S SaturationBasic ZIP+4 3/5 ZIP+4 Basic Barcoded3-Digit Barcoded 5-Digit Barcoded None$0.233$0.187$0.142$0.137$0.127 -------------------- Not Available BMC0.2210.1750.1300.125 0.115---- ---- ---- ---- ---- SCF0.2160.1700.1250.120 0.110---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Delivery Unit --------0.1200.115 0.105-------------------- Exhibit 611.2c, Regular Bulk Third-Class Nonletter-Size Minimum Per Piece Rates for Pieces Weighing .2067 Lb. (3.3067 Oz.) or Less Exhibit 611.2d For Viewing Only Nonautomation-Based Rates Carrier 125-PC Saturation Basic 3/5 Route W-S W-S Automation-Based Rates Basic 3/5 Basic 3-Digit 5-Digit ZIP+4 ZIP+4 Barcoded Barcoded Barcoded Per Piece/PoundNonautomation-Based Rates Automation-Based Rates Basic3/5Carrier Route125-PC W-S SaturationBasic ZIP+4 3/5 ZIP+4 Basic Barcoded3-Digit Barcoded 5-Digit Barcoded Per Piece Rates (for all entry categories) $0.109$0.063$0.018$0.013 $0.003 -------------------- Plus Not Available Per Pound Rates (by entry discount) None$0.600$0.600$0.600 $0.600 $0.600-------------------- BMC0.5420.5420.5420.542 0.542---- ---- ---- ---- ---- SCF0.5190.5190.5190.519 0.519---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Delivery Unit --------0.4960.496 0.496-------------------- Note: Each piece is subject to both a piece and a pound rate. Exhibit 611.2d, Regular Bulk Third-Class Piece/Pound Rates for Pieces Weighing More Than .2067 Lb. (3.3067 Oz.)] Exhibit 611.2e For Viewing Only Nonautomation-Based Rates Carrier Basic 3/5 Route Saturation Automation-Based Rates Basic 3/5 Basic 3-Digit 5-Digit ZIP+4 ZIP+4 Barcoded Barcoded Barcoded Entry DiscountNonautomation-Based Rates Automation-Based Rates Basic3/5Carrier Route Saturation Basic ZIP+43/5 ZIP+4 Basic Barcoded3-Digit Barcoded 5-Digit Barcoded None$0.111$0.098$0.074$0.071 $0.104$0.094$0.094$0.088$0.081 BMC0.0990.0860.0620.059 0.0920.0820.0820.0760.069 SCF0.0940.0810.0570.054 0.0870.0770.0770.0710.064 Delivery Unit --------0.0520.049 -------------------- Note: See 521.3 and 628.113 for additional weight restrictions for automation-based rates. Exhibit 611.2e, Special Bulk Third-Class Letter-Size Minimum Per Piece Rates for Pieces Weighing .2085 Lb. (3.3367 Oz.) or Less Exhibit 611.2f For Viewing Only Nonautomation-Based Rates Carrier 125-PC Saturation Basic 3/5 Route W-S W-S Automation-Based Rates Basic 3/5 Basic 3-Digit 5-Digit ZIP+4 ZIP+4 Barcoded Barcoded Barcoded Entry DiscountNonautomation-Based Rates Automation-Based Rates Basic3/5Carrier Route 125-PC W-S Saturation Basic ZIP+43/5 ZIP+4 Basic Barcoded3-Digit Barcoded 5-Digit Barcoded None$0.146$0.132$0.101$0.099 $0.094-------------------- Not Available BMC0.1340.1200.0890.087 0.082-------- -------- SCF0.1290.1150.0840.082 0.077-------------------- Delivery Unit --------0.0790.077 0.072-------------------- Exhibit 611.2f, Special Bulk Third-Class Nonletter-Size Minimum Per Piece Rates for Pieces Weighing .2085 Lb. (3.3367 Oz.) or Less Exhibit 611.2g For Viewing Only Nonautomation-Based Rates Carrier 125-PC Saturation Basic 3/5 Route W-S W-S Automation-Based Rates Basic 3/5 Basic 3-Digit 5-Digit ZIP+4 ZIP+4 Barcoded Barcoded Barcoded Per Piece/PoundNonautomation-Based Rates Automation-Based Rates Basic3/5Carrier Route 125-PC W-SSaturation Basic ZIP+43/5 ZIP+4 Basic Barcoded3-Digit Barcoded 5-Digit Barcoded Per Piece Rates (for all entry categories) $0.063$0.049$0.018$0.016$0.011 -------------------- PlusNot Available Per Pound Rates (by entry discount) None$0.398$0.398$0.398$0.398$0.398 ---------------- BMC0.3400.3400.340$0.3400.340 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- SCF0.3170.3170.3170.3170.317 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Delivery Unit --------0.2940.2940.294 -------------------- Note: Each piece is subject to both a piece and a pound rate. Exhibit 611.2g, Special Bulk Third-Class Piece/Pound Rates for Pieces Weighing More Than .2085 Lb. (3.3367 Oz.)] 611.22 Rate Structure 611.221 Piece and Pound Rates a. Minimum Per-Piece Rates (1) General. The minimum per-piece rates (the minimum postage amount that must be paid for each addressed piece) apply to mailpieces that weigh .2067 pound (3.3067 ounces) or less (.2085 pound (3.3367 ounces) or less at special rates). This base postage rate (see Exhibit 611.2a) applies to pieces meeting only the minimum preparation requirements (e.g., basic presort rate). Pieces may be eligible for a lower minimum rate per piece if additional requirements are met to render the mailpiece eligible for a postage discount or reduction (see 611.222). (2) "Letters" and "Other Than Letters" Categories. The minimum per-piece rates are divided into two major categories: "letters" and "other than letters." (a) "Letters" Category. To qualify for the letter category minimum per-piece rates, a piece must meet the letter-size length, height, and thickness requirements in 128. The placement of the address has no bearing on whether a piece meets the dimensions of a letter and is not considered when determining the length of a piece for the "letters" category minimum per-piece rates. The position of the address does determine the dimension considered to be the length of the piece when determining whether the minimum size standards are met (see 127). "Letters" category pieces must meet additional requirements to qualify for ZIP+4 and ZIP+4 Barcoded discounts. (b) "Other Than Letters Category." Pieces not meeting the letter-size length, height, and thickness requirements in 128 must be paid at the minimum per-piece rates for "other than letters." b. Piece/Pound Rates. Pieces that weigh more than .2067 pound (3.3067 ounces) (.2085 pound (3.3367 ounces) for special rates) are subject to a two-part piece/pound rate that includes a flat charge per addressed piece and a pound charge based on weight. This base postage rate (see Exhibit 611.2a) applies to pieces meeting only the minimum preparation requirements (e.g., basic presort rate). If additional requirements are met to render the mailpiece eligible for a postage discount or reduction (see 611.222), pieces may then be subject to a lower piece charge, pound charge, or both. 611.222 Postage Discounts and Reductions. The correct rate for an addressed piece may be reduced from the base rate (see 611.221) if the mailer prepares the piece (and/or the mailing of which it is a part) to comply with the requirements prescribed for a postage discount or reduction. The available postage discounts or reductions may be summarized as follows (see the cited sections for complete requirements): a. Presort. The following presort rates are available for all bulk third-class mail provided the corresponding requirements are met: (1) 3/5 presort (see 624.2), for mail prepared in 5-digit, optional city, and 3-digit packages and sacks. (2) Carrier route presort (see 624.3), for mail prepared to carrier routes. (3) Saturation walk-sequencing (see 624.8), for saturation quantities of mail per carrier route prepared in delivery sequence. (4) 125-piece walk-sequencing (see 624.8), for quantities of at least 125 pieces of other-than-letter category mail per carrier route prepared in delivery sequence. b. Automation. The following automation-based rates are available only for letter-size mailpieces that meet specific physical and preparation requirements and that meet the requirements for basic presort or 3/5 presort: (1) ZIP+4 (see 628.1 and 628.2), for pieces bearing a ZIP+4 code. (2) ZIP+4 Barcoded (see 628.1 and 628.3), for pieces bearing a ZIP+4 barcode. c. Destination Entry. The following destination entry rates are available for bulk third-class mail that meets the applicable requirements and is deposited at the facility serving the delivery address on the mailpiece: (1) Destination BMC (see 624.72), for mailings addressed for delivery within the area served by the BMC where the mailing is deposited. (2) Destination SCF (see 624.73), for mailings addressed for delivery within the area served by the SCF where the mailing is deposited. (3) Destination delivery unit (see 624.74), for carrier route and walk-sequence mailings addressed for delivery within the area served by the delivery unit where the mailing is deposited. 611.23 Net Postage. The net postage rate that must be paid is either the minimum per-piece rate, as reduced by any discounts or reductions for which the piece may be eligible, or the piece/pound rate, as reduced by any discounts or reductions for which the piece may be eligible. The net postage rate, which may include one or more forms of postage discount or reduction, may be described by a designation based on one of those discounts or reductions (e.g., carrier route rate, ZIP+4 Barcoded rate, DBMC rate, etc.) 611.24 Computation of Postage -- Bulk Rates 611.241 Minimum Bulk-Rate Postage. The total postage paid on any bulk mailing may not be lower than the amount determined by multiplying the appropriate minimum per-piece rate by the total number of pieces in the mailing. If the total postage computed at pound rates, after adding any adjustment for presort level, is less than the minimum postage charge, postage must be computed at the minimum per-piece rate. 611.242 Individually Metered Pieces -- Bulk Rate Postage. To compute postage at the bulk third-class rates for pieces subject to the pound rates of postage a. multiply the weight of the piece (in pounds) by the applicable per-pound rate, b. add any applicable per-piece charge, and c. round the sum upward to the next tenth of a cent (or next whole cent if the meter cannot print fractional amounts). The result must be higher than the minimum per-piece charge for the appropriate presort level rate. If the result is lower than the minimum per-piece charge, the minimum per-piece charge must be paid. 611.243 Postage. Postage is computed at the applicable rates on the entire bulk mailing to be mailed at one time. Exception: In no case may less than the applicable minimum per-piece charge be paid (see 611.241). 611.244 Exception. When the postage computed at the bulk third-class rates is higher than a fourth-class rate, for which the matter and the mailing could qualify, except for weight, the fourth-class rate may be paid without the necessity of adding needless additional weight. For example, a catalog weighing less than 1 pound which meets all prescribed requirements of fourth-class bound printed matter, except for weight, may be mailed at the fourth-class bound printed-matter rate. All other requirements for bulk third-class mail remain applicable. 612 Fees 612.1 Annual Bulk Mailing Fee. The annual bulk mailing fee is $75, payable once each 12-month period. 612.2 Address Correction Fee 612.21 Manual Correction. The fee for manual address correction service is $0.35 per notice issued. 612.22 Automated Correction. The fee for automated address correction service (see 694.3) is $0.20 per notice issued. 612.3 Permit Imprint Fee. The fee for a permit imprint is $75 (see 145.12). This is a one-time fee, provided the permit remains active. The permit imprint can also be used for First-, third-, and fourth-class mail. Note: Permit imprints are not required for use of third-class rates. See 622.3 and 623.41 for a list of permissible postage payment methods. 613 Nonstandard Surcharge A surcharge of $0.10 is assessed on each piece of single-piece rate mail weighing 1 ounce or less (except for keys and identification devices in 611.13) that exceed the size limits in 629.231. 620 Classification 621 Description of Third-Class Mail 621.1 General. Third-class mail consists of mailable matter (see 123, 124, and 127) that is a. not mailed or required to be mailed as First-Class Mail; b. not entered as second-class mail (except as provided in 411.422, 411.5, 423.614, 428.1, 428.3, and 452); and c. less than 16 ounces in weight. 621.2 Circulars. Circulars, including printed letters which, according to internal evidence, are being sent in identical terms to more than one person, are third-class mail. A circular does not lose its character as such when a date and the name of the addressee and of the sender are written therein, nor by the correction in writing of typographical errors. 621.3 Printed Matter. Printed matter weighing less than 16 ounces may be sent as third-class mail. For the purpose of this section, printed matter means paper on which words, letters, characters, figures, or images, or any combination of them not having the character of a bill or statement of account, or of actual or personal correspondence, have been reproduced by any process other than handwriting or typewriting. Computer-prepared material is considered to be printed matter and is not considered to have the character of actual or personal correspondence merely because it contains the following: a. Specific information about a product offered for sale or lease, such as the size, color, or price. b. Specific information about a service being offered, such as the name, address, and telephone number of a company representative to contact to obtain the service. c. Information relating the addressee directly to an advertised product or service. d. Information such as the amount paid for a previous purchase, pledge, or donation, when associated with a sales promotion or solicitation for donations. 621.4 Not Sealed Against Postal Inspection. Third-class mail is not sealed against postal inspection, and the mailing of articles at third-class rates of postage is consent by the mailer to postal inspection of the contents, whether secured or not. See 629.7 for preparation requirements. 621.5 Additional Restrictions. See 629.1 for further information concerning additions, enclosures, and attachments to mailpieces that may affect eligibility for third-class rates. 622 Single-Piece Rate 622.1 General. Single-piece rate third-class mail is third-class matter not prepared under the requirements for a bulk rate. 622.2 Minimum Quantity. There are no minimum quantity requirements for single-piece rate third-class mail unless paid by permit imprint. If paid by permit imprint, see 145.5. 622.3 Method of Postage Payment. Single-piece rate third-class mail may be paid for by means of regular adhesive stamps, precanceled stamps, meter postage, or permit imprint. See 142, 143, 144, and 145, respectively, for further information concerning use of these postage payment methods. 622.4 Mailing Statement. Mailing statements are not required unless the matter is mailed using a permit. If a permit imprint is used, a Form 3602 must be presented with the mailing in accordance with 145.55. 622.5 Marking. The words "Third-Class" must appear on each piece of mail as required in 629.61. 622.6 Presort and Facing Requirements 622.61 Presort. There are no presort requirements for single-piece rate mail. 622.62 Facing 622.621 General. There are no facing requirements for pieces prepared with regular adhesive postage stamps or precanceled stamps. There are no facing requirements for metered mailings of fewer than five pieces. See 622.622 and 622.623 for facing requirements of letter-type metered mailings of five or more pieces and for permit imprint mailings. 622.622 Metered Mailings of Five or More Letter-Type Pieces. Metered mailings of five or more letter-type pieces must be bundled, boxed, or otherwise packaged so the addresses face in one direction as required in 144.511. 622.623 Permit Imprint Mailings. If permit imprint is used for postage payment, the pieces must be faced (arranged with all pieces having the address facing the same way) (see 145.53). 622.7 Place of Mailing. In general, pieces paid with regular adhesive stamps and meters may be deposited in collection boxes or other places where mail is accepted. Pieces paid with precanceled stamps and permit imprints must be brought to the post office. See 651 for more detailed information. 622.8 Addressing. See 629.31 and 629.32. 623 Bulk Rates--Conditions Applicable to All Third-Class Bulk Mail 623.1 Annual Fee--Bulk Rates. Except when a bulk third-class mailing is made under the permit imprint system, each person or organization that enters mailings at the regular or special bulk third-class rates must pay an annual bulk mailing fee once each 12-month period, at each post office of mailing (see 612.1). Persons or organizations paying this fee may enter mail of their clients as well as their own mail. When a bulk third-class mailing is made under the permit imprint system, the person or organization whose permit imprint is on the mailpiece must put that permit number on the mailing statement and must pay the annual bulk mailing fee once each 12-month period for that permit. This fee is separate from the fee that must be paid for a permit to mail under the permit imprint system (see 145.12). 623.2 Processing Category. Irregular and machinable mail may be commingled in 5-digit and optional city sacks. All other pieces in a bulk-rate mailing must be of the same characteristic type as defined in 128 (i.e., letter-size, flats, machinable parcels, or irregular parcels). Not all processing categories may qualify for every bulk third-class rate. 623.3 Minimum Quantity. Each mailing must contain at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of pieces. See 624 for further specific qualification requirements for each bulk third-class rate. 623.4 Postage Payment 623.41 Method. Bulk third-class mail must be paid for by one of the following methods: precanceled stamps; postage meter; or permit imprint. See 143, 144, and 145 for the regulations pertaining to necessary permits or licenses and other requirements for use of these postage payment methods. See 623.622 and 661 for further requirements regarding use of these postage payment methods with bulk third-class mailings. 623.42 Mailing Statement. Each mailing must be accompanied by a mailing statement as described in 662. 623.5 Marking. Each piece in the mailing must bear the rate marking or combination of rate markings appropriate for the rate of mailing as required in 629.6. 623.6 Presort 623.61 General. Each mailing must be presorted under the requirements in 640 that correspond to the rate of mailing. 623.62 Merging Matter Into Single Mailings 623.621 General. Mailers are encouraged to merge all bulk third-class matter prepared for mailing at the same time into a single mailing. Differences in text, use or nonuse of adhesive address labels, and the use of several address lists with differing key numbers do not prohibit the mailer from merging and presorting mailings. However, differences that result in pieces of different weight, or pieces of different postage payment methods being combined in the same mailing, are subject to the provisions of 623.622. 623.622 Postage Payment Methods for Mailings of Nonidentical-Weight Pieces. When mailers merge nonidentical weight mailpieces into a single mailing, or pieces with different methods of postage payment, the following restrictions apply: a. Postage for basic presort rate, 3/5 presort rate, and carrier route presort level rate mailings that include pieces subject to pound rates and pieces subject to minimum per-piece charges must be paid under 661.223. b. All pieces must be within the same processing category (see 128), except as provided in 623.2. c. All pieces must be presorted to the finest extent, and the mailing must meet all other applicable requirements (including documentation) that apply to the presort rate claimed. d. Postage for all pieces must be paid by permit imprint, unless specifically approved, in writing, by the general manager, rates and classification center serving the mailer's plant under 661.34). e. Pieces bearing meter postage for the per-piece rate postage that have the per-pound rate paid by permit imprint as described in 661.221d are considered as permit imprint matter for purposes of this section. f. When postage is paid by permit imprint, all pieces in the merged mailings must be of identical size and weight, unless the general manager, rates and classification center, has authorized specific procedures under 145.7, 145.8, or 145.9. g. When postage is paid by meter and/or precanceled stamps, pieces need not be of identical size and weight, provided each piece bears the full postage at the presort level rate for which it qualifies. For basic presort rate, 3/5 presort rate, and carrier route presort level rate mailings, postage may be affixed at the lowest rate in the mailing only if all the pieces are of identical weight (see 661.2). For basic ZIP+4, 5-digit ZIP+4, and ZIP+4 Barcoded rates, both identical weight and nonidentical weight pieces may have postage affixed at the lowest rate in the mailing (see 661.3). h. A single mailing statement, representing all pieces in the mailing, must be presented as required by 662, unless different forms are specifically required (e.g., Forms 3602-R and Forms 3602-PC) for mailings presented under 661.221d or 661.4. 623.63 Co-Palletizing More Than One Flat-Size Bulk Third-Class Mailing 623.631 Definition. A co-palletized shipment consists of two or more bulk third-class mailings of flat-size pieces that have been independently presorted to the finest extent into packages and then merged together for placement on pallets to achieve the finest level of pallet presort possible. 623.632 Rate Category. All mailings to be co-palletized must be subject to the minimum per-piece rate, or all pieces must be subject to the per-pound rate, unless the general manager, rates and classification center (RCC), has authorized all the mailings in the shipment to be made under 145.7, 145.8, or 145.9. 623.633 Method of Postage Payment. Postage for all pieces must be paid by permit imprint, or postage for all pieces must be paid by meter and/or precanceled stamps (i.e., packages containing pieces bearing meter postage may be co-palletized with other packages of pieces bearing precanceled stamps, but neither may be merged with mailings where the individual pieces are paid by permit imprint). The general manager, RCC, must authorize specific procedures under 145.7, 145.8, or 145.9 for nonidentical piece weight mailings paid by permit imprint. Postage for a mailing included in a co-palletized shipment may be paid under the Centralized Postage Payment (CPP) system only if postage for all mailings included in the co-palletized shipment is authorized to be paid under the CPP system. 623.634 Physical Characteristics. Each mailpiece that is co-palletized must be within the flat-size processing category, as defined in 128.3. 623.635 Package Sortation Requirements. Mailpieces in each individual bulk third-class mailing that is to be co-palletized must be prepared under the package preparation requirements contained in 641.12 and 641.41, as applicable for the rates claimed in the mailing. Packages that contain fewer than 10 mailpieces may not be co-palletized. 623.636 Rate Qualification a. All pieces must be presorted to the finest extent possible, and the mailing must meet all other applicable requirements (including documentation) that apply to the presort rate claimed. b. Regular rate and special rate mailings must not be co-palletized. To qualify for special rates, each mailer whose mail is included as part of a co-palletized mailing must be individually authorized to mail at the special nonprofit rate. 623.637 Presort Level Documentation. The lists and records provided by mailers under 624.24, 624.35, and 644.185 must also declare the total number of pieces of each individual mailing prepared to each carrier route, 5-digit, optional city (see Exhibit 122.63a), and unique 3-digit ZIP-Coded city (see Exhibit 122.63b) destination. These lists must be broken down by pallet, with subtotals by pallet of the number of pieces qualifying for each presort level rate listed by individual mailer. In addition, a summary list of such information for the entire co-palletized shipment must be provided (see 644.185). 623.638 Mailing Statements. Separate mailing statements must be prepared for each individual mailing that is part of a single co-palletized shipment. Postal employees must attach all supporting documentation to one mailing statement and note on the other mailing statements the name, date, and other identifying information referring to the mailing statement with which the documentation was filed. 623.64 Combined Mailings of Thirdand Fourth-Class Machinable Parcels 623.641 Definition. A combined mailing consists of third-class machinable parcels and fourth-class machinable parcels (see 128.4) merged and presorted together in sacks or on pallets to achieve the finest level of presort. The combined mailing must meet the eligibility requirements described in 623.642 through 623.646 in addition to those that apply to the rate claimed. 623.642 Rate Category. Each parcel in a combined mailing is subject to the thirdor fourth-class rate applicable to that piece. 623.643 Method of Postage Payment. Postage for all pieces must be paid under the permit imprint system. Mailings must be verified and accepted under one of the following postage payment systems: Manifest Mailing System (see 145.7), Optional Procedure (see 145.8), or Alternate Mailing System (see 145.9). The applicable agreement must include procedures for combined mailings that have been approved by the general manager, RCC. Postage in combined mailings must be paid at the post office serving the mailer's plant. Mail must be verified and accepted under an authorized plant load agreement (see 154) or verified and cleared for dispatch under an authorized plant-verified drop shipment postage payment system (see 664 and 784). 623.644 Sortation and Preparation Requirements. A combined mailing must be sorted to the finest level and prepared as required in 641.232 (for sacked mailings) or 644.3 (for palletized mailings). The mailing must meet all other requirements, including documentation for the presort rate claimed. 623.645 Documentation Requirements. At the time of mailing, the mailer must provide a computer-generated summary listing that describes in ZIP Code sequence the contents of each sack or pallet. Listed items must be numbered identically to the corresponding sacks or pallets. The mailer must retain, for possible postal inspection, a copy of the individual detailed summary lists for 90 days after the dispatch of the mailing. Magnetic storage media may be used instead of hardcopy printouts of the individual detailed summary lists, if approved as part of the initial Postal Service authorization. At a minimum, the listing must include: a. Name of the mailer preparing the combined mailing, the mailer's location (address), and the entry post office. b. Detailed list by ZIP Code showing the number of pieces by class of mail and qualifying rate. c. Detailed list by owner of each individual mailpiece showing the total number of pieces by ZIP Code. d. Totals for the number of pieces by class of mail and, within each, by rate category. 623.646 Mailing Statement. One mailing statement must be prepared under 662 for all third-class pieces in the mailing, and a separate mailing statement must be prepared under 781 or 782 for each type of fourth-class mail combined in the same mailing. All the required mailing statements must be submitted at the time of mailing. 623.647 Request for Authorization a. General. A mailer who wants to present combined mailings must submit a written request to the general manager of the RCC serving the post office where the mailer is located. The request must show all the following information: (1) Name of mailer preparing the mailing. (2) Address of plant location (and mailing office, if different). (3) Names of products, publications, or mailpieces to make up the combined mailing. (4) Names of owners of the mail to be presented in the mailing. (5) Authorization to mail under a postage mailing system. (6) Expected date of first mailing. (7) Sample of the required computer-generated listings described in 623.645 and 721.35. b. Scope of Authorization. A separate written request must be made for each group of mailpieces to be prepared under the combined thirdand fourth-class machinable parcel mailing procedures. A mailer is not authorized automatically to combine every thirdand fourth-class machinable parcel mailing that could be prepared. An authorization is valid only for a specifically named group of items to be combined. However, if documentation for more than one mailer is derived from the same computer software program, and each mailer usually mails at regular intervals, requests for more than one mailing group may be submitted as part of the same authorization request. In such cases, the name of each mailer, frequency of mailing, type of product, and combination must be listed as part of the request. 623.648 Termination of Authorization a. An authorization to combine thirdand fourth-class machinable parcel mail expires concurrently with the applicable postage payment system authorization and may not exceed 2 years. Renewal requests should be made simultaneously with the postage payment system authorization renewal and must be submitted within 60 days of the expiration date. b. A mailer may terminate an authorization at any time by written notice to the Postal Service. c. The Postal Service may terminate an authorization upon finding that the mailer cannot comply with the requirements in this section. A written notice is sent to the mailer stating the reasons for termination. 623.7 Place of Mailing. In general, mailings must be deposited at a bulk mail acceptance unit of the post office where the postage permit or license is held and where the annual bulk fee in 623.1 has been paid. See 652.1 for more detailed information. 623.8 Addressing. See 629.3, 629.4, and 629.5. 623.9 Services Not Available. Registry, insurance, special delivery, special handling, certified, return receipt for merchandise, and COD services may not be used for third-class matter mailed at bulk rates. 624 Conditions for Specific Bulk Rate Preparation Levels 624.1 Basic Presort Rate Eligibility 624.11 General. Each basic presort rate bulk third-class mailing must meet both the conditions in 623 and those in this section. Pieces in a basic presort rate mailing should not bear a 5-digit barcode. Pieces that bear either a ZIP+4 or 5-digit barcode must be prepared as specified in 550 and the barcodes must represent the correct ZIP+4 code or 5-digit ZIP Code for the delivery address on the mailpiece. 624.12 Minimum Quantity Requirements. Each mailing at the basic presort rate must contain at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of pieces. 624.13 Marking. Each piece must bear the appropriate rate marking required by 629.62. 624.14 Presort. Each mailing must be presorted under the requirements of 641.1 or 641.22. 624.2 3/5 Presort Rate Eligibility 624.21 General. Each 3/5 presort rate bulk third-class mailing must meet both the conditions in 623 and those in this section. Pieces in a 3/5 presort rate mailing should not bear a 5-digit barcode. Pieces that bear either a ZIP+4 or 5-digit barcode must be prepared as specified in 550 and the barcodes must represent the correct ZIP+4 code or 5-digit ZIP Code for the delivery address on the mailpiece. 624.22 Minimum Quantity Requirements 624.221 3/5 Presort Rate. Each mailing at the 3/5 presort rate must contain at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of pieces. 624.222 Basic Presort Rate. A 3/5 presort rate mailing may include pieces claimed at the basic presort rate if the entire mailing contains at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of pieces. The basic rate pieces must be prepared as required for that rate, but they do not have to meet a separate 200-piece/50-pound minimum. A 3/5 presort rate mailing may not include pieces claimed at the carrier route presort or walk-sequence rates. 624.223 3/5 Presort Rate Eligibility. To be eligible for the 3/5 presort rate, pieces must be prepared in one of the following ways: a. In an optional firm, 5-digit, optional city, or 3-digit package of 10 or more pieces that is correctly sacked in a 5-digit, optional city, or 3-digit sack that contains at least 125 pieces or 15 pounds of mail under 641.1. b. In an optional firm, 5-digit, optional city, or 3-digit package of 10 or more pieces that is correctly trayed in a 5-digit, optional city, or 3-digit tray as permitted in 641.138 and described in 647 (packaging to certain destinations is not required under 647.213, 647.214, or 647.215). c. In an optional firm, 5-digit, optional city, or 3-digit package of 10 or more pieces that is within a ZIP+4 or ZIP+4 Barcoded rate mailing prepared in trays as described in 628 and 647 (packaging to certain destinations is not required under 647.213, 647.214, 647.215, or 647.23). The rate eligibility requirements for ZIP+4 and ZIP+4 Barcoded rate mailings presorted under Chapter 5 instead of Chapter 6 appear in 562.23 and 563.23. d. In an optional firm, 5-digit, optional city, or 3-digit package of 10 or more pieces that is correctly sorted to the appropriate level of pallet under 644.1. e Machinable parcels, in a correctly prepared sack containing at least 10 pounds of machinable parcels for the same 5-digit or BMC destination. f. Machinable parcels, on a 5-digit or destination BMC pallet prepared under 644.2. g. Irregular parcels (not packaged), placed in 5- or 3-digit sacks (see 643.11). 624.23 Residual. Residual pieces in a 3/5 presort rate mailing are those not prepared in one of the ways described in 624.223a through 624.223g, and must be claimed and paid for at the basic presort rate (see 624.222) and prepared as required either by 641.12 and 641.13, or by 641.22, as appropriate. 624.24 Documentation 624.241 Requirement a. When Required. Documentation must be provided for all mailings of nonidentical-weight pieces and, except as indicated in 624.241b, for all mailings in which pieces eligible for and claimed at the 3/5 presort rate are commingled in the same mailing with residual (basic presort rate) pieces. b. When Not Required. A listing is not required when, for a mailing of identical-weight pieces, the mailer has physically separated the sacks or pallets containing pieces eligible for and claimed at the 3/5 presort rate from those containing residual (basic presort rate) pieces. 624.242 Content -- Sack Label Option a. Sequence. The documentation must be sequenced by level of sortation (5-digit, 3-digit, etc.) and must show, for each sack in each group, a unique number or the exact top line of the sack label. In the 5-digit portion, the contents of each sack must be detailed by 5-digit ZIP Code, and, in other portions, by 3-digit ZIP Code prefix. b. Information. Each ZIP Code entry must describe the number of pieces that qualifies for each rate category. For optional city and 3-digit sacks, the documentation must show a subtotal for the number of pieces at each rate category and the total number of pieces in the sack. c. Summary. For the entire mailing, the listing must be summarized to show the total number of pieces in each rate category, the total number of pieces in the mailing, and the total postage (or additional postage due) for the mailing. d. Sack Preparation. With this option, the sacks do not have to be presented for acceptance in any particular order. 624.243 Contents -- ZIP Code Option a. Sequence. The documentation must be sequenced by level of sortation (5-digit, 3-digit, etc.). In the 5-digit portion, the entries must be listed by 5-digit ZIP Code, and, in the other portions, by 3-digit ZIP Code prefix. b. Information. Each entry must show the number of pieces that qualify for each rate category. c. Summary. For the entire mailing, the listing must be summarized to show the total number of pieces in each rate category, the total number of pieces in the mailing, and the total postage (or additional postage due) for the mailing. If different amounts of additional postage are due, the summary must further detail the number of pieces at each postage amount or at each amount of additional postage due. d. Sack Preparation. With this option, the sacks must be separated by level of sortation when presented for acceptance. 624.25 Marking. Each piece in the mailing must bear the appropriate rate marking required by 629.62. 624.26 Presort. All pieces in the mailing, regardless of rate, must be presorted as required by 641.1, 641.2 (for machinable parcels), or 644 (for palletized mailings). 624.3 Carrier Route Presort Rate Eligibility 624.31 General. Each mailing must meet the requirements of 623. Pieces in a carrier route presort mailing should not bear a 5-digit barcode. Pieces that bear either a ZIP+4 or 5-digit barcode must be prepared as specified in 550, and the barcode must represent the ZIP+4 code or 5-digit ZIP Code for the delivery address on the mailpiece. 624.32 Minimum Quantity. Each mailing must consist of at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of mail presorted to carrier routes, in accordance with 641.4. Each piece must be part of a group of 10 or more pieces packaged to the same carrier route, rural route, highway contract route, post office box section, or general delivery unit. Packages must be placed in either a carrier route, 5-digit carrier routes, or 3-digit carrier routes sack. Carrier route, 5-digit carrier routes, and 3-digit carrier routes sacks must contain a minimum of 125 pieces or 15 pounds of qualifying carrier route mail to be eligible for the carrier route presort level rate, with the following exceptions: a. Saturation mailers of carrier route presorted mail may, at their option, prepare 5-digit carrier routes sacks containing fewer than 125 pieces and less than 15 pounds of mail for those 5-digit ZIP Code areas that do not have a sufficient number of residential deliveries to meet the 125-piece minimum at a 90% saturation level. A saturation mailing is defined as a mailing sent to at least 90% of the total residential addresses within a 5-digit ZIP Code area. b. The last sack to a 3-digit ZIP Code destination may contain fewer than 125 pieces or less than 15 pounds of qualifying mail. If such a sack is prepared, any residual mail to the 3-digit area must be placed in that sack. 624.33 Residual. Those pieces not part of a group of 10 or more pieces packaged to a particular carrier route are residual pieces. Residual pieces may be included in a carrier route presort rate mailing and may bear the "Carrier Route Presort" endorsement, subject to the following conditions: a. Residual pieces do not count toward the minimum quantity requirements for the carrier route presort level rate. b. The number of residual pieces to any single 5-digit ZIP Code area may not exceed 5% of the total qualifying presorted carrier route pieces addressed to that 5-digit ZIP Code area. c. Residual pieces are not eligible for the carrier route presort level rate and must have postage paid at the basic presort rate. d. Residual pieces must be prepared under 641.412 and 641.427. 624.34 Weight and Size. Pieces may be identical or nonidentical in size and weight, provided they are all within the same processing category as defined in 128. Pieces must not exceed 11-3/4 inches in width, 14 inches in length, or 3/4 inch in thickness. Merchandise samples with detached labels may exceed these dimensions if the detached labels meet the requirements of 629.5. 624.35 Listing Required. Mailers must, at the time of each mailing, provide the post office a list indicating the number of qualifying and residual pieces mailed to each 5-digit ZIP Code area. After the first mailing, the postmaster may authorize the mailer to retain the records and submit them upon request by the postmaster. These records must be kept for a period of 90 days following the date of mailing, or until any pending action regarding the recalculation of postage is resolved to the satisfaction of the Postal Service (see 624.36). 624.36 Current Scheme 624.361 Proper Makeup. Mailers are responsible for the proper makeup of mail to carrier routes according to the latest quarterly Postal Service scheme. Mailers must incorporate Carrier Route Information System (CRIS) changes in their mailings within 75 days of the effective date (January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15) of the quarterly updates. Postage on mailings with more than 5% error in the makeup to carrier routes in the 5-digit ZIP Code area are recalculated at the basic presort rate for all pieces delivered in that 5-digit ZIP Code area. 624.362 Obtaining Schemes a. Ordering CRIS Products. Mailers ordering any of the CRIS products described in 624.362b through 624.362f below may do so by writing to CRIS, Address Information Center, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see Address List in Appendices). b. CRIS Hard-Copy (Paper) Quarterly Updates and Monthly Scheme Changes. Hard-copy schemes are available only for specific 5-digit or specific 3-digit ZIP Code areas. Hard-copy form is not available from the Postal Service on a regional, state, or national basis. In the written request, mailers must specify which specific 5-digit or 3-digit ZIP Code schemes are desired. Customers requesting updates to quarterly scheme information are provided updates on a complete zone-by-zone basis each month. c. CRIS Quarterly Updates and Monthly Scheme Microfiche Changes. CRIS schemes for one or more postal regions or for the entire United States are available on microfiche (reduction rate of 59x) by sending a written request specifying which postal regions are desired. Customers requesting updates to quarterly scheme information are provided entire new sets of fiche each month that include all the monthly updates. d. CRIS Quarterly Updates and Monthly Scheme Tape Changes. CRIS scheme information in machine-sensible form on magnetic tapes is available for one or more states or for the entire United States. There are also monthly updates available on tape. e. "Change Only" Information. For all CRIS products, "change only" information is available as a separate product produced every month. Note: In any CRIS regional scheme tape request, the mailer must specify which of the following magnetic tape characteristics are required: (1) Nine track. (2) 1,600 or 6,250 bits per inch. (3) ASCII or EBCDIC. f. Other Methods. Mailers may, under the provisions of 945.4, request a copy of the city scheme used by clerks for sorting mail. They may also request that the Postal Service sort address cards, plates, or stencils by carrier routes. However, the mailer is responsible for sorting in accordance with the latest quarterly CRIS scheme provided in 624.362a through 624.362f. The mailer is considered to have made a sorting error only if the mail was not sorted according to the latest quarterly CRIS scheme. 624.37 Markings. Each piece must bear the appropriate rate markings required by 629.63. 624.38 Presort. Each mailing must be presorted under the requirements of 641.4. 624.4 (Reserved) 624.5 (Reserved) 624.6 (Reserved) 624.7 Destination Rates 624.71 General 624.711 Eligibility. Bulk third-class regular and special rate mail may qualify for the destination rates described in 611.222c and Exhibit 611.2a if prepared under this section and the applicable provisions of 624.72 through 624.74 and deposited at the corresponding destination postal facility. 624.712 Eligibility for Other Rates and Reductions. Mailings must separately qualify for destination rates and any other rates or reductions claimed by the mailer. Only one destination reduction may be claimed for each mailpiece. See 624.743 for restrictions that apply to the destination delivery unit rate. 624.713 Documentation. Other than the mailing statement, no specific documentation is required in support of a destination rate, although documentation must be submitted if required by another rate or discount claimed for the same mailing. See 664.25 for additional documentation requirements that apply to plant-verified drop shipments. 624.714 Minimum Volume. Each destination entry rate mailing must consist of at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of mail, presented with the appropriate mailing statement. Destination entry rate pieces prepared for deposit at different destination post offices must each be presented as a separate mailing, meeting the 200-piece/50-pound minimum volume and accompanied by the appropriate mailing statement. Pieces deposited at the same postal facility, but claimed at different destination entry rates, may be included in a single mailing and reported on the same mailing statement (subject to one minimum volume requirement), provided the destination entry post office is the appropriate facility for claiming each of the destination entry discounts. Example: A mailer deposits a carrier route presort mailing at a facility that is an SCF and also has city carriers located within that same facility. The portion of the mailing in carrier route or 5-digit carrier routes sacks that is for delivery by the carriers located in that facility may be eligible for the DDU rate; the portion of the mailing that is not eligible for the DDU rate, because it is not for delivery by carriers that are located in the SCF facility, but is for delivery within the SCF service area (ZIP Code ranges) may be eligible for the DSCF discount. The mailing may also include mail that is ineligible for any destination discount (e.g., carrier routes sacks for ZIP Codes outside the SCF service area) within the limits in 624.718. If the SCF where the mail is deposited is also designated as an ASF (see 122.63s), the mailing could also include pieces that are eligible for the DBMC discount. 624.715 Payment of Postage and Fees a. General. The correct postage for each mailing eligible for a destination rate must be affixed to each piece or paid through an advance deposit account having sufficient funds on deposit at the time of mailing. While funds intended to pay postage through an advance deposit account may be presented with the corresponding mailing, that mailing must neither be released for dispatch nor accepted if the resulting balance is not adequate to cover the applicable total postage as verified by the Postal Service. See 664 and 665 for additional information about plant-verified drop shipment. b. Meter Postage. Except as provided in 144.8 or 664, pieces paid by meter postage must be accepted at the licensing post office (including its stations and branches), or at the destination bulk mail center (DBMC) (see 624.721) serving that post office (see 624.716d). Under the latter alternative, only the DBMC rate is available (see 624.72). c. Precanceled Stamps. Except as provided in 664, pieces paid by precanceled stamps must be accepted at the post office (including its stations and branches) that issued the precanceled stamp permit, or at the destination bulk mail center (DBMC) (see 624.721) serving that post office (see 624.716d). Under the latter alternative, only the DBMC rate is available (see 624.72). d. Permit Imprint. Postage for permit imprint pieces must be paid at the post office (including its stations and branches) where the permit is held and the annual fee is paid for the current 12-month period, or at the destination bulk mail center (DBMC) (see 624.721) serving that post office (see 624.716d). Under the latter alternative, only the DBMC rate is available (see 624.72). e. Annual Fee. The applicable bulk mailing fees must be paid for the current 12-month period at the postal facility where postage is paid for the mailing. 624.716 Verification and Acceptance of Destination Rate Mailings a. General. Destination entry rate mailings must be presented to postal personnel for verification at the origin mailer's plant detached mail unit (DMU) or the origin post office bulk mail acceptance unit (BMAU) serving the mailer's plant under an authorized plant-verified drop shipment postage payment system as provided by 664 or at the destination post office or bulk mail acceptance unit. Mailers must adhere to the scheduling requirements in 624.717 for destination rate mailings. b. At Origin. Destination rate mailings may be verified at the mailer's plant or at the origin post office serving the mailer's plant (or another post office designated by the field division general manager/postmaster serving the mailer's plant), transported at the mailer's expense, and deposited for acceptance as mail at the appropriate destination postal facility as plant-verified drop shipments (see 664). Postage and fees are paid to the post office that verifies the mailings. Mailings verified and accepted as plant load mailings, including mailings transported as expedited plant load shipments (see 154.73), are not eligible for destination rates. The bulk mail acceptance unit (BMAU) at a bulk mail center (BMC) should not be designated as the office to perform origin verification of third-class plant-verified drop shipments that are to be transported by a mailer to other destination post offices for deposit and acceptance. c. At Destination (1) General. Destination rate mailings may be verified, paid for, and deposited at the bulk mail acceptance unit of the destination post office. The postmaster of a destination post office determines whether verification and postage payment for destination delivery unit (DDU) rate mailings occur at the BMAU of the post office or at the stations and branches where mailings are deposited for acceptance at the DDU rates. When DDU rate mailings are verified and paid for at the BMAU, the mailer must then transport the mail at its own expense to the appropriate delivery unit for deposit and acceptance. Whenever mailings are verified and paid for at a postal facility different from the one at which they are deposited into the mailstream and accepted as mail, they must be accompanied by a Form 8125 completed by the mailer and the post office that performed the verification (see 664.25c). (2) At a Destination BMC. For a mailing to be verified and accepted at a BMC, that BMC must be authorized to act as agent for the post office where the mailer's account or license is held. That post office must be located within the service area (ZIP Code range) of the BMC. In order to obtain authorization for BMC verification and acceptance of mailings, a mailer must request the post office where the mailer's account or license is held to submit Form 4410 to the BMC. (Also see the restrictions in 624.715b through 624.715e.) d. At a BMC. For a mailing to be verified and postage paid at a BMC, that BMC must be authorized to act as agent for the post office where the mailer's account or license is held by completion and approval of Form 4410. (Also see the restrictions in 624.715b through 624.715e.) If the mailer is claiming the destination SCF rate (see 624.73) or the destination delivery unit rate (see 624.74), the mailer must further transport the shipment for deposit and acceptance at the destination SCF or delivery unit, as appropriate. Form 4410 is completed and submitted by the post office where the mailer's account or license is held. e. Security. If a destination rate mailing is not accepted as mail by the Postal Service at the same postal facility where verified, and is to be transported to destination on the mailer's vehicle, the post office where the mail was verified must ensure that the shipment is secured in such a manner, and accompanied by appropriate documentation, as to allow confirmation that the shipment was not altered in any way before it was deposited for acceptance at the destination postal facility. Postal facilities must use USPS ball seals, USPS locks, or other postal security devices that prevent access to the mail by other than authorized postal employees. Vehicles that make en route stops at postal facilities must be resealed after the corresponding mail is removed. Exception: The requirement for affixing a Postal Service seal (or equivalent security device) to a mailer's vehicle containing mailings verified at one postal facility and transported by the mailer to another postal facility for deposit and acceptance at destination rates is suspended indefinitely. Note: A new numbered PVDS band seal is available from the Postal Service. The new PVDS seal may be used, at the request of a mailer, on the mailer's vehicles containing plant-verified drop shipments. 624.717 Deposit of Mail a. General Requirement. Each mailing for which a destination rate is claimed must be deposited at the time and location specified by the destination facility postmaster, or designee, or by the division manager, logistics and distribution (see 624.717b), as applicable. b. Scheduled Deposit. Except as provided in 624.717d, mailers must schedule deposit of destination rate mailings at least 24 hours in advance by contacting the manager, logistics and distribution, or designee, at the field division office in whose service area the destination facility is located. Mailers must comply with the scheduled deposit time provided, which is the earliest possible date. Destination facilities may defer acceptance or deposit of unscheduled or untimely mailings. Standing appointments for renewable 6-month periods may be requested by written application to the manager, logistics and distribution, in whose service area the destination facility is located. Mailers who request standing appointments must present comparable mailings (in terms of product and revenue) on a consistent frequency of no less than once each month. c. Additional Information. Additional information about scheduling and unloading requirements may be obtained from the manager at the field division office, logistics and distribution, or designee, at the field division office in whose service area the destination facility is located. d. Exception for Local Mailers. The scheduling requirements of 624.717b do not apply when a mailer is depositing mailings for verification and acceptance at the local post office serving the facility where the mailpieces are prepared for mailing, provided the mailings are not verified under a plant load authorization or a plant-verified drop shipment postage payment system authorization. Under this exception, the mailer may claim the destination entry rates for mailings or portions of mailings deposited at the local post office and that meet the requirements in 624.72, 624.73, or 624.74. 624.718 Presentation a. General Exclusion. A destination rate mailing can include pieces at other rates subject to the limitations in 624.718b and the restrictions that may apply to other rates or discounts claimed. b. Minimum Volume. Each destination rate mailing must meet the volume requirements in 624.714 and those that may apply for other rates or discounts claimed. Regardless of volume, the mailpieces for which a destination rate is claimed must represent more than half the mail (by weight or pieces, whichever is greater) presented by the same mailer within any 24-hour period, except as provided in 624.718d. For purposes of this section, the mailer is the party presenting the material to the Postal Service (or for whom a transportation company has presented the material to the Postal Service). c. Maximum Volume. Except as provided in 624.718d, the same mailer may not present for verification and acceptance more than four destination rate mailings at the same destination postal facility (or another acting as its agent) in any 24-hour period. This limit may be waived if local conditions permit; mailers may ask for such a waiver when scheduling the deposit of the mailings (see 624.717b). There is no maximum for plant-verified drop shipments. d. Exception for Local Mailers. The restrictions of 624.718b and 624.718c do not apply when a mailer deposits mailings for verification and acceptance at the local post office serving the facility where the mailpieces are prepared for mailing, provided the mailings are not verified under a plant load authorization or a plant-verified drop shipment postage payment system authorization. Under this exception, the mailer may claim the destination entry rates for mailings or portions of mailings deposited at the local post office and that meet the requirements in 624.72, 624.73, or 624.74. e. Other Mailings. Each destination rate mailing must be separated from other mailings when presented for verification or acceptance and, within the mailing, the sacks containing destination rate pieces must be separated from the sacks containing pieces not eligible for the destination rate. In transit, plant-verified drop shipment destination rate mail for one destination postal facility must be separated from mailings for other facilities and any freight on the same vehicle. 624.719 Plant-Loaded Mailings. Plant-loaded mailings (see 154) are not eligible for the destination rates in 624.72 through 624.74. 624.72 Destination Bulk Mail Center (DBMC) Rate 624.721 Definition. For purposes of this section, the term "destination bulk mail center (DBMC)" includes all bulk mail centers (BMCs) and auxiliary service facilities (ASFs). See Exhibit 624.721. EXHIBIT 624.721 BMC/ASF SERVICE AREAS FOR DBMC RATES ] Facility3-Digit ZIP Code Areas Served Albuquerque ASF865, 870-875, 877-884 Atlanta BMC298, 300-312, 317-319, 350-368, 373-374, 377-379, 399 Billings ASF590-599, 821 Buffalo ASF130-136, 140-149 Chicago BMC463-464, 530-535, 537-539, 600-611, 613 Cincinnati BMC250-253, 255-259, 400-418, 421-422, 425-427, 430-433, 437-438, 448-462, 469-474 Dallas BMC706, 710-712, 718, 733, 747, 750-799, 885 Denver BMC690-693, 800-816, 820, 822-831 Des Moines BMC500-516, 520-528, 612, 680-689 Detroit BMC434-436, 465-468, 480-497 Fargo ASF565, 567, 580-588 Greensboro BMC240-243, 245-249, 270-297, 376 Jacksonville BMC299, 313-316, 320-342, 346-347, 349 Kansas City BMC640-641, 644-658, 660-662, 664-679, 739 Los Angeles BMC889-892, 900-935 Memphis BMC369-372, 375, 380-397, 700-705, 707-709, 713-714, 716-717, 719-729 Minneapolis BMC498-499, 540-564, 566 New Jersey Int'l & BMC004-005, 070-079, 088-119, 127 Oklahoma City ASF730-732, 734-738, 740-746, 748-749 Philadelphia BMC080-087, 137-139, 169-199 Phoenix ASF850-860, 863-864 Pittsburgh BMC150-168, 260-266, 439-447 St. Louis BMC420, 423-424, 475-479, 614-620, 622-631, 633-639 Salt Lake City ASF832-834, 836-837, 840-847, 893, 898, 979 San Francisco BMC894-897, 936-966 Seattle BMC835, 838, 970-978, 980-994 Sioux Falls ASF570-577 Springfield BMC010-069, 120-126, 128-129 Washington BMC200-239, 244, 254, 267-268 Exhibit 624.721, BMC/ASF Service Areas for DBMC Rates] 624.722 Eligibility. Pieces in a mailing that meet the requirements of 624.71 and 624.72 are eligible for the DBMC rate when deposited at a DBMC (as defined in 624.721), addressed for delivery within that facility's service area (ZIP Code range) as shown in Exhibit 624.721, and placed in a tray, sack, or pallet (as permitted by the presort requirement for the rate claimed) that is correctly labeled to that DBMC or to a postal facility within its service area. Separate SDC, state, and mixed states sacks must be prepared for pieces that are eligible for the DBMC rate if the mailer includes them in that portion of the mailing claimed at the DBMC rate, and the facility to which the sacks, trays, or pallets are labeled is within the DBMC service area. 624.723 Requirements Related to BMC Acceptance a. General. Mailings deposited at a DBMC must be presented in vehicles that are compatible with BMC dock and yard operations (see 624.717c). b. Authorization. Prior to mailing at the DBMC, authorization must be provided to the DBMC to act as acceptance agent for the entry post office (i.e., for the post office where the meter license, precanceled stamp permit, or permit imprint authorization is held) by completion and approval of Form 4410. (See Handbook DM-102, 725). Mailings cannot be entered at a DBMC (whether the DBMC rate is claimed or not) without this authorization. Form 4410 is not required for plant-verified drop shipments. Form 4410 is completed and submitted by the entry post office. 624.73 Destination Sectional Center Facility (DSCF) Rate 624.731 Definition. For purposes of this section, the term "destination sectional center facility (DSCF)" refers to the facilities listed in Exhibit 122.63c and Exhibit 122.63d. 624.732 Eligibility. Pieces in a mailing that meet the requirements of 624.71 and 624.73 are eligible for the DSCF rate when deposited at a DSCF (as defined in 624.731), addressed for delivery within that facility's service area (ZIP Code range), and placed in other than an SDC, BMC, state, or mixed states tray, sack, or pallet (as permitted by the presort requirement for the rate claimed) that is correctly labeled to that DSCF or to a postal facility within its service area. 624.733 Requirements Related to SCF Acceptance a. General. Mailings deposited at a DSCF must be presented in vehicles that are compatible with SCF dock and yard operations (see 624.717c). b. Postage Payment. Postage must be paid as specified in 624.715. DSCFs may not accept mail otherwise paid except as provided in 144.8. 624.74 Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) Rate 624.741 Definition. For purposes of this section, the term "destination delivery unit (DDU)" refers to the facility (post office, branch, station, etc.) where the carrier cases mail for delivery to the addresses on pieces in the mailing, and the term "carrier routes" includes city carrier routes, rural routes, highway contract routes, and general delivery and post office box sections. 624.742 Eligibility. Pieces in a mailing that meet the requirements of 624.71 and 624.74 are eligible for the DDU rate when deposited at a DDU (as defined in 624.741), addressed for delivery within that facility's service area (carrier routes), and placed in properly-prepared and labeled carrier route packages sorted to carrier route or 5-digit carrier routes trays, sacks, or pallets (as permitted by the presort requirement for the rate claimed) that are correctly labeled to the corresponding destinations. Mailings for which the DDU rate is claimed must also be eligible for and claimed at either the carrier route or a walk-sequence rate (see 624.3 and 624.8, respectively, for additional requirements, as applicable). Under no circumstances is the DDU rate allowed for mail that requires any postal transportation other than from the carrier's case to the customer's mail receptacle. 624.743 Other Rates and Reductions. Pieces eligible for the DDU reduction must be claimed at only the carrier route or walk-sequence rates. No other rates or reductions are available. 624.744 Copies at Other Destination Rates a. General. A mailing that contains copies claimed at the DDU rates may include copies claimed at other destination entry discounts (DSCF and DBMC) as well as pieces for which no destination discount is claimed (see 624.714 and 624.718). b. Sacked Mailings. When presented to the Postal Service for verification and for deposit and acceptance, sacks containing DDU rate copies must be separated from other sacks in the same mailings or other mailings. Any effective method of separation may be used. c. Palletized Mailings. When presented to the Postal Service for verification and for deposit and acceptance, pallets containing DDU rate copies must be separated from other pallets in the same mailing or other mailings. An individual pallet may contain copies claimed at DDU rates and copies at DSCF rates, provided the copies claimed at delivery office rates are placed on the top of the pallet and are physically separated from the other copies. Any effective method of separation (e.g., a slipsheet), may be used. 624.8 Walk-Sequence Reduction 624.81 General 624.811 Eligibility. The saturation walk-sequence discount (available for both letter and other-than-letter category mail) and the 125-piece walk-sequence discount (available only for other-than-letter category mail) are available to mail sorted to carrier routes (see 641.4), arranged within each route in delivery sequence, and prepared to meet the requirements of 624.82 through 624.88 that apply to the discount claimed. (For purposes of this section, city carrier routes, rural routes, highway contract routes, and general delivery and post office box sections are referred to collectively as "carrier routes" unless specifically stated.) Mailings prepared under 629.4 and 629.5 may qualify for walk-sequence rates when the detached label cards are prepared to meet the requirements of this section. Pieces prepared using simplified address must meet the requirements in 122.41. 624.812 Destination Rates. Mailings claimed at walk-sequence rates must separately qualify for any destination rate claimed. 624.813 Copies for Other Destinations or at Other Rates a. General. A walk-sequence rate mailing can include pieces claimed at the carrier route presort rate and at the basic presort rate. Pieces in the same mailing cannot be claimed at the 3/5 presort or any ZIP+4 or ZIP+4 Barcoded rate. b. Separation. At the time when presented to the Postal Service, the sacks containing the walk-sequence rate pieces must be separated from other sacks in the same mailing or other mailings. Any effective method of separation may be used. c. Walk-Sequencing. In addition to those pieces prepared in walk-sequence as required for the rate claimed (see 624.85), mailers are encouraged to prepare all other pieces in the mailing in walk-sequence. 624.82 Preparation. Mailpieces claimed at a walk-sequence rate must be prepared as a carrier route mailing. Each addressed piece must be part of a properly prepared carrier route package. Packages must be placed in a carrier route sack or tray for the corresponding carrier route, or in a 5-digit carrier routes sack or tray. Packages on pallets or packages correctly placed in palletized carrier route or 5-digit carrier routes trays or sacks must be placed on a properly labeled 5-digit, optional multicoded city, 3-digit, or SCF pallet. Pieces prepared otherwise are not eligible for a walk-sequence rate and may be included in the mailing only as provided in 624.813. Pieces prepared using simplified address must meet the requirements in 122.41. 624.83 Addressing 624.831 Saturation Walk-Sequence Discount. Pieces for which the saturation walk-sequence discount is claimed must be addressed as follows: a. Each piece addressed for delivery on a city carrier route must bear a complete delivery address or an alternative form of address as provided in 122.42 or 122.43. Official matter mailed by certain government entities may, at the mailer's option, be addressed in the simplified address format as provided in 122.412. b. Each piece addressed for delivery through a general delivery or post office box unit must bear a complete delivery address or an alternative form of address as provided in 122.4. c. It is recommended that each piece addressed for delivery on a rural or highway contract route bear a simplified address as described in 122.41. A complete delivery address or an alternative form of address provided in 122.42 or 122.43 is also acceptable. 624.832 125-Piece Walk-Sequence Discount. Each piece for which the 125-piece walk-sequence discount is claimed must bear either a complete delivery address or an alternative form of address as provided by 122.42 or 122.43. 624.84 Density 624.841 General. Each walk-sequence rate mailing must contain at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of pieces. Carrier route and basic presort rate pieces may be included in the same mailing. The carrier route rate pieces count toward the minimum quantity. The basic rate pieces do not count toward the minimum quantity, but are subject to the limitations in 624.33. 624.842 Per 5-Digit ZIP Code. There is no minimum volume per 5-digit ZIP Code delivery area. Walk-sequence rate mail need not be sent to all carrier routes within a 5-digit delivery area. 624.843 Per Carrier Route--125-Piece Walk-Sequence Discount. At least 125 walk-sequenced addressed pieces must be prepared for each carrier route receiving mail for which the 125-piece walk-sequence discount is claimed. Mail for carrier routes having 124 or fewer possible deliveries may qualify for the 125-piece walk-sequence discount if a piece is addressed to every possible delivery on the corresponding route, or for the saturation walk-sequence discount if the requirements in 624.844 are met. The term "carrier route" is explained in 624.811. 624.844 Per Carrier Route--Saturation Walk-Sequence Discount a. Except as provided in 624.844b, pieces for which the saturation walk-sequence discount is claimed must be addressed to either 90% or more of the active residential addresses or 75% or more of the total number of active possible delivery addresses, whichever is less, on each carrier route receiving saturation walk-sequence discount mail. The term "carrier route" is explained in 624.811. b. Mail for carrier routes that is addressed in the simplified address format as provided in 122.41 must meet the total route coverage requirements described in that section. 624.845 Multiple Copies or Pieces Per Address. Only one addressed piece per delivery address may be counted toward the minimum density prescribed in 624.841 and either 624.843 or 624.844, as applicable. 624.846 Pieces Per Sack. Sacks containing fewer than 125 pieces and less than 15 pounds of pieces may be prepared to a carrier route when a walk-sequence discount is claimed for the contents and the applicable density requirements of 624.843 or 624.844 are met. 624.85 Walk-Sequencing 624.851 General. The pieces in a walk-sequence rate mailing must be organized in the sequence in which they are to be delivered as determined by the Postal Service. Pieces prepared with a simplified address must meet the requirements of 122.413. 624.852 Packages. Walk-sequenced letterand flat-size pieces must be prepared in packages. Letter-size pieces must be prepared in packages that are not more than 4 inches thick. 624.853 Package Labeling. In addition to the labeling requirements in 641.411, each package of walk-sequenced carrier route mail must be labeled to show that the package contains carrier route mail that has been walk-sequenced. Mailers must label packages in one of the following ways: a. With Facing Slips. Mailers may prepare walk-sequenced carrier route packages by affixing to the top of each package a facing slip that contains the phrase "WALK-SEQUENCED CARRIER ROUTE MAIL." The facing slip may be an address label with the required information placed on a sample mailpiece that is the top piece in the package or it may be a separate piece of paper affixed to the top of the package. b. Without Facing Slips. Mailers may prepare walk-sequenced carrier route packages without facing slips if the letters "WS" are placed immediately in front of the carrier route information descriptive prefix (or its abbreviation) as required by 641.411b. The following are examples of address formats for walk-sequenced carrier route packages labeled with the "WS" and descriptive prefixes, when used under 641.411b. Mailers who choose to label packages without facing slips must meet the sack, tray, and pallet labeling requirements in 624.854. * * WS CARRIER ROUTE 11 RESIDENT 1300 WATERFORD DRIVE ALEXANDRIA, VA 22310 * * WS CR 11 RESIDENT 1300 WATERFORD DRIVE ALEXANDRIA, VA 22310 * * WS CR 11 RESIDENT 1300 WATERFORD DRIVE ALEXANDRIA, VA 22310 * * WS RURAL ROUTE 05 POSTAL CUSTOMER POSTAL CUSTOMER* * WS RR 05 * * WS CR 11 CAR-RT SORT 1300 WATERFORD DRIVE ALEXANDRIA, VA 22310 624.854 Sack, Tray, or Pallet Labeling a. Carrier Route Sack or Tray. In addition to the information required by 641.425 for carrier route sack labels, the letters WS must be added to the contents line for carrier route sacks or trays. Each walk-sequence carrier route label must be prepared in the following manner: Line 1: City, two-letter state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination Line 2:Class (3C) and processing category, followed by the letters WS, type of route (POST OFFICE BOX SECTION, HIGHWAY CONTRACT ROUTE, AND GENERAL DELIVERY UNIT, or the respective abbreviations BOX SECT, HWY CONTR RT, GEN DEL UNIT), and route number Line 3:City and two-letter state abbreviation of the post office of mailing Example: SAN FRANCISCO CA 94133 3C LTRS--WS CR 18 ALEXANDRIA VA b. Five-Digit Carrier Routes Pallets. In addition to the information required by 641.426 for sack labels for carrier routes sacks, the letters WS must be added to the contents line for 5-digit carrier routes pallets containing walk-sequenced mail. Each label must be prepared in the following manner: Line 1:City, two-letter state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination Line 2:Class (3C) and processing category, followed by the letters WS, and the words CARRIER ROUTES (abbreviated CR-RTS) Line 3:City and two-letter state abbreviation of the post office of mailing Example: SAN FRANCISCO CA 94133 3C LTRS--WS CR-RTS SYRACUSE NY 624.86 Accuracy 624.861 Error Rate. For each carrier route receiving mail at a walk-sequence rate, no more than 5% of the total pieces for the route may be found out of sequence or sorted to the wrong carrier route. (The total number of pieces for the route is shown on the documentation required by 624.88.) 624.862 Errors not Counted. An error must not be counted when pieces are not in sequence or not sorted to the correct carrier route because of Postal Service scheme changes not yet incorporated in the scheme that the mailer is required to use in preparation of the mailing (see 624.87 and 624.88). 624.863 Pieces in Error a. Delivery Unit. If a carrier finds pieces that are not in walk-sequence or not for that route, and when the number of those pieces found in error is 5% or more of the estimated total pieces for the route, the carrier must notify the delivery unit supervisor of the errors and then finish casing the mail addressed to the route. The delivery unit supervisor documents the errors in a manner that specifically describes the types and number of errors for the route (e.g., out of sequence, reverse sequence, misrouted, etc.) and attempts to notify the mailer or the mailer's representative if the mailing was accompanied by the name and telephone number of either the mailer or the mailer's representative. The delivery unit supervisor must also notify the origin post office (where postage for the mailing was paid) of the errors. The origin post office may be identified from the sack, tray or pallet label or from the return address on the mailpieces. Even if the mailer or the mailer's representative cannot be contacted, the delivery unit supervisor must still inform the origin post office of the errors. b. Origin Post Office. Upon notification of the errors by delivery units, the origin post office must inform the mailer of the ZIP Codes and carrier routes where the errors were found and advise the mailer that the errors must be corrected before submission of the next mailing to that ZIP Code area. Upon receipt of documentation from the delivery unit, the origin post office must assess a postage deficiency for the difference between the walk-sequence rate and the appropriate rate for the mail identified as being in error. The mailer must submit evidence that the errors were corrected before submitting the next walk-sequenced carrier route mailing. This may require the mailer to submit the appropriate delivery unit summary reports, or a copy of the CDS invoices with the next mailing to demonstrate that the sequencing service was performed for those carrier routes within the identified ZIP Codes. Mailpieces for those routes where walk-sequencing errors were found are not eligible for the walk-sequence rate until the mailer submits the required documentation as specified in 624.884. 624.87 Delivery Sequence Information 624.871 General. Pieces to carrier routes prepared with a simplified address under 122.41 must be based on information described in 624.875. All other mailings entered at a walk-sequence rate must be based on Postal Service delivery sequence information using one of the methods described in 624.872, 624.873, and 624.874. 624.872 CDS File. The Computerized Delivery Sequence (CDS) file is updated quarterly. Walk-sequence rate mailings must incorporate the changes in the CDS file issued within 6 months before the date of mailing. Mailings prepared with out-of-date walk-sequence information are not accepted at walk-sequence rates. Mailings accepted and then found to be prepared with out-of-date information may be subject to the higher carrier route presort rate. Exception: Until June 21, 1992, a mailer using the CDS product to prepare walk-sequence mailings may qualify mailings that incorporate the delivery sequence information in a CDS issue more than 6 months old, provided that the mailing is presented with a Walk-Sequence Validation Statement signed by an authorized postal employee indicating that the mailer's list is requalified for the ZIP Code areas in question. However, all walk-sequence mailings presented on or after June 21, 1992, must meet the 6-month requirement of this section. 624.873 DSF. The Delivery Sequence File (DSF) is updated quarterly. DSF information is available through licensees approved by the Postal Service. To obtain a list of licensees, write to the National Address Information Center, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see Address List in Appendices). Walk-sequence rate mailings must incorporate the changes in the DSF issued within 6 months before the date of mailing. Mailings prepared with out-of-date walk-sequence information are not accepted at walk-sequence rates. Mailings accepted and then found to be prepared with out-of-date information may be subject to the higher carrier route presort rate. 624.874 Address Sequencing Service. Mailings entered at the walk-sequence rates may be based on delivery sequence information provided by the Postal Service's address sequencing services (see 946). These services can be used to provide updated information as requested by the customer. Walk-sequence rate mailings must use address sequence information updated within 6 months before the date of mailing. Mailings prepared with out-of-date walk-sequencing information are not accepted at walk-sequence rates. Mailings accepted and then found to be prepared with out-of-date information may be subject to the higher carrier route presort rate. Exception: Until June 21, 1992, a mailer using address sequencing services to prepare walk-sequence mailings may qualify mailings with walk-sequence information more than 6 months old, provided that the mailing is presented with a Walk-Sequence Validation Statement signed by an authorized postal employee indicating that the mailer's list is requalified for the ZIP Code areas in question. However, all walk-sequence mailings presented on or after June 21, 1992, must meet the 6-month requirement of this section. 624.875 Delivery Statistics File or Information Provided by Postmasters. Mailings prepared with a simplified address as specified in 122.41 must be based upon delivery stop information obtained as provided in 122.44 from either the Delivery Statistics File or postmasters. The delivery stop information must be obtained within 6 months before the date of mailing. 624.88 Documentation 624.881 General. Mailers who prepare mailings for which a walk-sequence discount is claimed must provide documentation in accordance with 624.882 through 624.885 to substantiate compliance with the applicable eligibility requirements for the walk-sequence discount. The required documentation required by 624.882 through 624.884 must be submitted with each mailing at the time of mailing. 624.882 Density--125-Piece Walk-Sequence Discount. For each carrier route receiving pieces for which the 125-piece walk-sequence discount is claimed, the mailer must provide documentation to indicate the total number of delivery stops to which mailpieces in the mailing are addressed. 624.883 Density Requirement--Saturation Walk-Sequence Discount a. Addressed Mail (Except Simplified Address). Mailers must be able to document compliance with 624.844 for each carrier route receiving mail for which the saturation walk-sequence discount is claimed. (The term "carrier route" is explained in 624.811.) This documentation must show either the total number of active possible residential deliveries and the number and percentage to which mailpieces in the mailing are addressed, or the total number of active possible deliveries and the number and percentage to which mailpieces in the mailing are addressed, depending on whether qualification is based on the 90% or 75% criterion, respectively. The documentation must be listed by 5-digit ZIP Code and, within each, by carrier route (see Exhibit 624.883). b. Simplified Addressed Mail. Mailers must be able to document that they meet the density requirement in 122.41 (100% for simplified address) for each carrier route, rural route, post office box section, highway contract route, or general delivery unit. This documentation must show the total number of active possible deliveries and the total number to which mailpieces in the mailing are being addressed. The documentation must be listed by 5-digit ZIP Code and, within each, by carrier route (see Exhibit 624.883). EXHIBIT 624.883 SAMPLE LISTING Total ActiveTotal Active ZIPCarrierTotalPossibleResidential CodeRoutePiecesDeliveriesDeliveriesPercentage (%) 13760 CR01 533 710 --- 75 CR02 630 --- 700 90 B001 175 175 ---100 Exhibit 624.883, Sample Listing] 624.884 Combination Rate Mailings a. Both Walk-Sequence Discounts. If a mailing contains pieces for which the 125-piece walk-sequence discount is claimed and other pieces for which the saturation walk-sequence discount is claimed, the documentation required by 624.882 and 624.883 may be combined. Entries for pieces for which the 125-piece walk-sequence discount is claimed must be so annotated on the documentation. For the entire mailing, a summary of the total number of pieces for which each walk-sequence discount is claimed must be provided. b. Carrier Route Presort Rate. If a mailing contains pieces for which a walk-sequence discount is claimed and other pieces for which the carrier route presort rate is claimed, in addition to the documentation required for the walk-sequence discount mail (by 624.882, 624.883, and 624.884a, if applicable), the documentation for the carrier route presort rate mail must show the total number of addressed pieces for each carrier route that qualifies for the carrier route presort rate and the number qualifying for the walk-sequence discount. (The term "carrier route" is explained in 624.811.) The documentation must be listed by 5-digit ZIP Code and, within each, by carrier route. Those pieces qualifying for the carrier route presort rate must be so annotated on the documentation by carrier route. For the entire mailing, a summary by 5-digit ZIP Code of the total number of pieces at each rate must be provided. This documentation also satisfies the requirements of 624.35 for the carrier route presort rate pieces included in the mailing. 624.885 Documentation of Accurate Sequencing or Delivery Statistics. To prove that timely information was used to prepare mailings (as required by 624.87) mailers must be able to provide the Postal Service, within a timeframe (usually a few days) specified by the post office where the postage is paid, with a copy of any or all the documents listed below (as specified by the Postal Service), for each carrier route to which pieces are mailed at the walk-sequence rate. The mailer must annotate the mailing statement in the Receipt No. Block to show the earliest (oldest) date of any of the following methods used to obtain sequencing or delivery stop information for the mailing. a. Computerized Delivery Sequence (CDS) invoice. b. Delivery Sequence File (DSF) documentation. c. Copies of the Delivery Unit Summaries that served as the mailer's bills for the address sequencing service charges. d. Copy of the Delivery Statistics File invoice. e. Evidence of receipt of information from postmasters (under 122.44) for simplified address mailings. Exception: Until June 21, 1992, a Walk-Sequence Validation Statement signed by an authorized postal employee indicating that the mailer's list is requalified for the ZIP Code areas in question is acceptable in place of the CDS invoice or the Delivery Unit Summary. Beginning June 21, 1992, only the CDS invoice or Delivery Unit Summary will be acceptable for demonstrating qualification based on CDS or sequencing of address cards, respectively. 625 Additional Conditions for Special Bulk Rates Eligibility 625.1 Authorization. Only organizations which meet the requirements of 625.2 or 625.3 and which have received specific authorization from the Postal Service may mail eligible matter at the special bulk rates contained in Exhibit 611.2a. (See application procedure in 626.) Before mailing at the special bulk rates, a mailer must be issued a special rate authorization. Except for mailings deposited under the plant-verified drop shipment postage payment system (see 664.24), a separate authorization is required at each post office where special rate mailings are deposited. Note: The conditions in 623 and 624 must also be met to qualify for the special bulk rates. 625.2 Qualified Nonprofit Organizations 625.21 General. The following organizations may be authorized to mail at the special bulk rates, if they are not organized for profit and none of their net income inures to the benefit of any private stockholder or individual: a. Religious b. Educational c. Scientific d. Philanthropic e. Agricultural f. Labor g. Veterans' h. Fraternal 625.22 Primary Purpose. The standard of "primary purpose" used in the definitions of qualified nonprofit organizations in 625.23 requires that the organization be both organized and operated for the primary purpose. Organizations which "incidentally" engage in qualifying activities do not meet the primary purpose test. 625.23 Definitions of Eligible Nonprofit Organizations 625.231 Religious. A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is one of the following: a. To conduct religious worship (for example, churches, synagogues, temples, or mosques). b. To support the religious activities of nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is to conduct religious worship. c. To further the teaching of particular religious faiths or tenets, including religious instruction and the dissemination of religious information. 625.232 Educational. A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is the instruction or training of individuals for the purpose of improving or developing their capabilities or the instruction of the public on subjects beneficial to the community. a. An organization may be educational even though it advocates a particular position or viewpoint, as long as it presents a sufficiently full and fair exposition of the pertinent facts to permit an individual or the public to form an independent opinion or conclusion. Conversely, an organization is not considered educational if its principal function is the mere presentation of unsupported opinion. b. The following are examples of educational organizations: (1) An organization (such as a primary or secondary school, a college, or a professional or trade school) which has a regularly scheduled curriculum, a regular faculty, and a regularly enrolled body of students in attendance at a place where educational activities are regularly carried on. (2) Any organization whose activities consist of presenting public discussion groups, forums, panels, lectures, or similar programs. Such programs may be on radio or television. (3) Any organization which presents a course of instruction by means of correspondence or through the use of television or radio. (4) Museums, zoos, planetariums, symphony orchestras, and similar organizations. 625.233 Scientific. A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is one of the following: a. To conduct research in the applied, pure, or natural sciences. b. To disseminate technical information dealing with the applied, pure, or natural sciences. 625.234 Philanthropic (Charitable). A nonprofit organization organized and operated for purposes beneficial to the public. a. Examples of philanthropic organizations include those which are organized to (1) relieve the poor and distressed or the underprivileged; (2) advance religion; (3) advance education or science; (4) erect or maintain public buildings, monuments, or works; (5) lessen the burdens of Government; or (6) promote social welfare for any of the above purposes or to lessen neighborhood tensions; to eliminate prejudice and discrimination; to defend human and civil rights secured by law; or to combat community deterioration and juvenile delinquency. b. The fact that an organization which is organized and operated to relieve indigent persons may receive voluntary contributions from those persons does not necessarily make it ineligible for special bulk rates as a philanthropic organization. The fact that an organization, in carrying out its primary purpose, advocates social or civic changes or presents ideas on controversial issues to influence public opinion and sentiment toward an acceptance of its views, does not necessarily make it ineligible for special bulk rates as a philanthropic organization. 625.235 Agricultural. A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is the betterment of the conditions of those engaged in agricultural pursuits, the improvement of the grade of their products, and the development of a higher degree of efficiency in agriculture. a. The organization may further and advance agricultural interests through the following: (1) Educational activities. (2) Holding agricultural fairs. (3) Collecting and disseminating information concerning cultivation of the soil and its fruits or the harvesting of marine resources. (4) Rearing, feeding, and managing livestock, poultry, bees, etc.. (5) Other activities related to agricultural interests. b. The term "agricultural" also includes any nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is collecting and disseminating information or materials related to agricultural pursuits. 625.236 Labor. A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is the betterment of the conditions of workers. a. Labor organizations include, but are not limited to, organizations in which employees or workers participate whose primary purpose is to deal with employers concerning grievances, labor disputes, wages, hours of employment, working conditions, etc. b. Labor unions and employee associations are examples of organizations formed for these purposes. 625.237 Veterans'. A nonprofit organization of veterans of the armed services of the United States, or an auxiliary unit or society of, or a trust or foundation for, any such post or organization. 625.238 Fraternal. A nonprofit organization which meets all the following criteria: a. Has as its primary purpose the fostering of brotherhood and mutual benefits among its members; b. Is organized under a lodge or chapter system with a representative form of government; c. Follows a ritualistic format; and d. Is comprised of members who are elected to membership by vote of the members. Note: Fraternal organizations include such organizations as the Masons, Knights of Columbus, Elks, and college fraternities and sororities, and may include members of either or both sexes. Fraternal organizations do not encompass such organizations as business leagues, professional associations, civic associations, or social clubs. 625.3 Qualified Political Committees 625.31 General. The following political committees may be authorized to mail at the special bulk rates without regard to their nonprofit status: a. A national committee of a political party. b. A state committee of a political party. c. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. d. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. e. The National Republican Congressional Committee. f. The National Republican Senatorial Committee. 625.32 Definitions of Qualified Political Committees a. National Committee. The organization which, by virtue of the bylaws of a political party, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of such political party at the national level. b. State Committee. The organization which, by virtue of the bylaws of a political party, is responsible for the day-to-day operation of such political party at the state level. 625.4 Ineligible Organizations. The following and similar organizations do not qualify for the special bulk rates, even though they may be organized on a nonprofit basis: automobile clubs; business leagues; chambers of commerce; citizens' and civic improvement associations; individuals; mutual insurance associations; political organizations (other than those specified in 625.3); service clubs such as Civitan, Kiwanis, Lions, Optimist, and Rotary; social and hobby clubs; associations of rural electric cooperatives; and trade associations. In general, state, county, and municipal governments are not eligible for the special bulk rates. However, a separate and distinct state, county, or municipal governmental organization which meets the criteria for any one of the specific categories in 625.2 may be eligible, notwithstanding its governmental status. For example, school districts and public libraries may be eligible under 625.232 (educational). Nevertheless, governmental organizations are normally not eligible under 625.234 (philanthropic), since their income is generally not derived primarily from voluntary contributions or donations.