940 Nonmail Services 941 Money Orders 941.1 Issuance 941.11 Where Sold. Domestic money orders may be purchased at all post offices, branches, and stations in the United States and its possessions. Money order facilities are also provided for members of the Armed Forces of the United States. 941.12 Purchase Amounts, Fees, and Payments 941.121 Purchase Amounts. The maximum amount for which a single money order may be purchased is $700. Subject to the restrictions in 941.122 and 941.123, a person may purchase multiple money orders at the same time, in the same or differing amounts. 941.122 $10,000 Sales Limit. No individual postal customer may purchase money orders in excess of $10,000 in face value on any day. There are no exceptions to this restriction. The following guidelines apply to the application of this purchase limit: a. The $10,000 limit applies on a daily basis to each postal customer whether the purchases are made at one time or throughout the day. For example, a customer cannot be allowed to purchase $10,000 worth in the morning and then return in the afternoon to purchase more, nor can a customer purchase $6,000 worth and then return to purchase more than $4,000 in additional money orders. b. Going from one postal facility to another to purchase more than $10,000 per day is not allowed. c. To the extent postal employees are aware of such activity, they must act to prevent the aggregate amount of money order purchases from exceeding $10,000 per day. d. The Inspection Service must be contacted immediately in the event that more than $10,000 is mistakenly sold to one customer. e. The Inspection Service should be contacted if a postal employee has any suspicion that a customer is structuring his money order purchases in any way to exceed the $10,000 per day limit. 941.123 $3,000 Identification Requirement. No individual postal customer may purchase money orders with a total face value between $3,000 and $10,000 unless the following requirements are met: a. The purchaser must provide all the following information on Form 8105. (1) name and address; (2) social security number, or, if the purchaser is an alien and does not have a social security number, the alien identification number; (3) date of birth; and (4) the name, address, and social security number, taxpayer identification number, or alien identification number, of any person on whose behalf the money orders are being purchased. b. The purchaser must provide the issuing clerk with identification that bears the photograph, name, and address of the purchaser, such as a driver's license or military identification card. c. The issuing clerk must verify the purchaser's name and address by examination of the purchaser's identification and complete the following information on Form 8105: (1) date of purchase, (2) name of the postal facility where the purchase occurred, (3) serial numbers of the money orders purchased, (4) dollar amounts of each money order purchased, and (5) total face value of the money orders being purchased. d. Multiple purchases during one business day totaling $3,000 or more must be treated as one purchase, for purposes of complying with the requirements of this section, if an individual postal employee knows that multiple purchases are being made. For example, if the issuing clerk observed the purchaser buying $2,000 worth earlier in the day, the clerk cannot allow the purchaser to buy an additional $2,000 worth without completing Form 8105 for the multiple purchases. e. The issuing clerk must refuse to make the requested money order sale if the purchaser does not or cannot provide the information and identification required by this section. 941.124 Fees a. Postal military money order (issued by military facilities that have been authorized by the Department of Defense)$0.25 b. Domestic money order (issued at other post offices, including those with branches or stations on military installations)$0.75 c. Inquiry fee (includes the issuance of a copy of a paid money order)$2.50 941.125 Payment. Money orders must be paid for in U.S. currency, coins (in any amount), or established traveler's checks payable in U.S. dollars. Purchases must be at least 50% of the value of the traveler's checks so as to deter customers from seeking to only cash their checks. 941.13 Issuance Procedures 941.131 General. Money orders must be issued on the money order imprinter provided to issuing offices or by other authorized postal systems. Handwritten issuance is prohibited. 941.132 Imprinter Preparation. At the start of a duty tour, the issuing clerk receipts for blank money order sets by signing control registers maintained on Item O-137a. At the work station, the clerk verifies that the office number plate is affixed and uses the nonmetallic stylus to set the appropriate date into the dating device on the imprinter. (This setting from left to right is year, month, and day, such as 790421 for April 21, 1979.) 941.133 Imprinting the Order. Before imprinting each money order, clerks must verify that the proper data is set and the print handle is positioned to the extreme left. Set the five amount keys to the requested amount (never more than $700) and verify the setting as registered in the small windows above the keys. Next, insert the blank money order form set so that it lies flat on the machine within the form guides. Finally, imprint the order by moving the print handle in one continuous motion to the extreme right position and returning it in a continuous motion to the starting position. 941.134 Completing the Transaction. Remove the imprinted form set, and move the amount keys back to their asterisk position. Detach the voucher and verify that the date, office number, and amount are legible on all parts. (See 941.15 for spoiled orders.) Both customer and clerk should verify the dollar amount. Collect payment for the dollar amount and the fee. After collection of the dollar amount and fee, give the customer the rest of the form set (customer receipt, money orders, and the carbons). Place the voucher in the proper receptacle for end-of-day reporting. 941.135 Inoperable Imprinter Procedures. Manual issuance of money orders is not permitted. Inoperable imprinters must be replaced or restored to service as quickly as possible. While service is disrupted, customers must be advised of the anticipated time that service is to be restored and of the location of nearby facilities where service is available. Also, they are allowed to apply on Form 6387 for immediate issuance of an order when service is restored. In such instances, procedures as prescribed for issuance to rural customers in 941.14 apply, except that mailing of orders to payee, and orders and/or customer receipt to customers is at Postal Service expense. 941.136 Owner Responsibilities. The owner is responsible for completing the information of both the money order and the customer's receipt. The Postal Service does not guarantee a 100% refund if the customer's receipt is not presentable when a claim for refund is made on a lost or stolen money order. Purchasers must fill in the names and addresses of the payee and the purchaser on the money order and the customer's receipt. This should be done promptly to protect the purchaser's rights if any inquiries are made later. Money orders are to be made payable to one identifiable person, firm, or agency. Customers may make money orders payable to themselves. 941.14 Issuance to Rural Customers 941.141 Procedures. The following outlines how to provide money order service to rural route customers. These procedures also apply to any highway contract carriers whose contract requires money order service. a. The carrier supplies Form 6387 upon request. b. The customer completes the Application portion of Form 6387, returns the entire form to the carrier, and pays for the money order. The carrier completes and detaches the Customer Receipt portion of Form 6387, and returns it to the customer with instructions to save it in case there are future questions about the transaction. (Exception: If unable to make correct change, the carrier gives the change to the customer on the next delivery trip.) c. The money order request is processed at the post office when the carrier returns. d. On the next trip, the carrier delivers the money order, the Customer Receipt part of the money order form set and the Application portion of Form 6387 in an addressed envelope. 941.142 Mailing. A customer may request the post office to mail the money order to the payee. A postal employee completes the money order and mails it to the payee. (Blank money orders must never be mailed.) No extra charge is made for this service. However, the customer must provide a stamped, addressed envelope large enough to hold the money order without folding. The carrier delivers the Application portion of Form 6387 and the Customer Receipt part of the money order form set in an addressed envelope on the next trip. 941.143 Form 6387 for Rural Carriers. Postmasters must furnish rural carriers Form 6387 for transacting money order business. 941.144 Nonpersonnel Rural Units. The procedures outlined in 941.14 must be followed in providing money order service to customers of nonpersonnel rural units. Customers should meet the carrier at the station or branch. A supply of applications is maintained at the station or branch. 941.145 Issuance to Highway Contract Route Customers. If required to do so by the contract, highway contract route carriers accept money and applications for money orders and give receipts for the money on Form 6387. Except when an intermediate office is involved, the application and money must be turned in for issuance of the money order at the post office at which the carrier begins and ends his trips. Wherever possible, without delay to the issuance of the money order or to the proper dispatch of mail, the carrier submits the money order application and money to the intermediate office for issuance. When the money order is not issued before the carrier leaves the post office, the carrier must be given a receipt on Form 1096 for the funds turned in. In all other respects, money order procedures for highway contract route carriers are the same as for rural carriers. 941.15 Spoiled or Incorrectly Prepared Money Orders 941.151 Issuance of a New Money Order. A new money order must be issued for the following reasons: a. Post Office Error. Blank money order stock defective or money order ruined during imprinting. b. Customer Error. Money order spoiled during completion or by accidental mutilation. 941.152 Procedures. Treat a spoiled or incorrectly prepared order as follows: a. On the Date of Issue. Handle the spoiled order as follows: (1) Customer's Receipt. Recover and destroy immediately. (2) Voucher Copy. Destroy immediately for money orders spoiled on the day of issuance. (3) Money Order. Stamp or mark "spoiled" in the "Pay to" or "From" area. Be sure not to obliterate any IMPRINTED DATA. When the office number or date do not appear or are illegible, write them on the order below and outside the read band. Do not stamp, mark, or write in the upper one-third of the money order. Do not intermingle a spoiled money order with the voucher copies of issued orders. Do not attach anything to the spoiled orders. Each clerk must identify and submit the spoiled money orders as a separate group to a verifying manager or designated employee, who must then destroy the spoiled money orders. b. After the Date of Issue. Determine that the order has not been altered. Recover the customer's receipt and annotate it "Replaced by Money Order Serial No........" DO NOT attempt to recover the voucher copy. Obtain the customer's endorsement on the back of the order. Handle the money order as if it were made payable to the purchaser and include with other postal funds deposited. c. If Refused by Bank. If the bank refuses to accept the incorrectly prepared money order for deposit, send it to the Money Order Branch, St. Louis Postal Data Center, with a completed Form 6401. In the section "If Money Order Not Cashed, Send Refund To" on Form 6401, show postmaster and the appropriate address. Write or stamp "spoiled" in the "Pay To" or "From" portion of the money order. Record the amount of the refused order in AIC 814, Suspense. The Money Order Branch issues a replacement money order, payable to the postmaster. Upon receipt of the replacement order, deposit it with other postal funds and clear the entry to AIC 814. 941.153 Fee a. No fee is charged, regardless of whether the customer or the postal clerk made the error. b. To account for the noncollected fee, the amount of the money order is entered in AIC 100, Domestic Money Order--Value; the fee, which should have been collected, in AIC 101, Domestic Money Order--Fee; and offset the entry to AIC 586, Fee Offset--No Fee Money Order. Submit the customer's receipt for the incorrectly prepared money order with Form 1412-A to support the "Fee Offset" entry. 941.2 International Money Orders. Information on international money orders is contained in the International Mail Manual, 391. 941.3 Cashing 941.31 Continuing Validity and Value. Domestic money orders are paid regardless of the time passed since their issue. Money orders are not interest-bearing instruments; they are paid only in the exact amount imprinted up to the authorized maximum amount. The records of the Postal Service serve as the basis for adjudicating claims for payment of money orders. 941.32 Where to Cash 941.321 All U.S. money orders, including military, may be cashed at any U.S. post office or bank. 941.322 Rural carriers may cash money orders, subject to the availability of funds and without charge for rural customers. 941.33 Signature Requirements 941.331 Acceptance of Signature. The paying post office may accept any signature of the payee, purchaser, or endorsee which is not different from the name given on the order. 941.332 Signature by Mark. Customers who cannot write may sign by using a mark, if a witness is present at the time of cashing. The witness cannot be a postal employee. 941.333 Signature by Firms, Organizations, and their Representatives. All money orders payable to a business firm, an organization, society, institution, or government agency must be signed in the name of the organization by a representative authorized to do so. It may be necessary for such authority to be presented and filed. The representative must also sign with his own name and organizational title. If the money order is drawn in favor of an official by name and presented by a successor, the latter must sign as follows: William Jones, treasurer, successor to George Thompson. 941.334 Use of Titles. Use of such titles as Dr., Rev., Prof., Mr., Madam, Mrs., M.D., or D.D.S. are not required in signing a money order for payment, whether or not such title is used on the face of the money order. 941.335 Stamped Signatures. A stamped signature is acceptable as an endorsement on a money order when drawn in favor of a firm, corporation, association, society, or individual, when the money order is presented to a bank for payment. A post office accepts only stamped signatures, when an agreement has been filed in advance specifying the individual responsible for the correctness of such payments. 941.336 More Than One Payee. A money order completed by the purchaser to show more than one firm or person as payee is paid as follows: a. If the conjunction "or" is used to connect the payees, either payee may cash the document. b. If no conjunction is used, or if the conjunction "and" is used to connect the payees, then all the listed payees must endorse the document. 941.34 Payment to Other Than Payee 941.341 Transfer of Money Order a. By Payee. Only the payee of a money order may endorse it to any other person or firm. b. On Power of Attorney. A person with power of attorney may cash money orders in behalf of the payee who gave him that authority. A copy of the power of attorney must be filed at the office of payment. c. On Separate Written Order. A payee may file a separate written order with the post office authorizing payment to another person. The person must be designated by name as the one to receive payment. 941.342 Upon Assignment. When a payee, such as an individual or firm, makes an assignment, and intends that money orders be paid to the assigned person, he must file a copy of a power of attorney or a written order with the post office. The person designated to receive payment must sign the money order and indicate below his signature the capacity in which he acts. 941.343 On Death of Payee. A money order belonging to a deceased owner may be paid to the executor or administrator of the estate appointed by the court. A certified copy of the appointment as executor or administrator must be filed with the local postmaster. Payments are made in accordance with the laws of the state of which the deceased was a resident. 941.344 To a Concern No Longer in Business. Money orders are paid to the legal representative of a firm, association, or company that has ceased to exist. Appropriate documents proving legal representation must be provided to the post office. 941.345 To a Committee or a Guardian. Money orders are not issued or paid to a ward when declared incompetent by a court. They are paid only to the committee, guardian, or other duly authorized person responsible for the ward. Appropriate proof of authority must be provided to the post office. 941.346 To Minors. A money order payable to a minor may be paid to the father or mother as natural guardian, unless prohibited by court order. Proof of parenthood may be required. 941.35 When Orders Are Not Paid 941.351 When There is a Second Endorsement. A money order with more than one endorsement is invalid. For proper procedure to obtain a replacement, see 941.5. 941.352 When There Is a Question on a COD Parcel. No payment is made when a money order has been issued in return for a COD parcel, and is presented by the addressee (purchaser) and the money order has not been endorsed by the payee (shipper) or the payee has not expressly authorized payment to the purchaser by written approval. 941.36 Examination of the Order by Postal Employee. Ensure that a. It is not a form reported stolen. If it is, try to delay the person. Immediately notify local police, nearest postal inspector, or postal inspector-in-charge, and hold the order for instructions. b. It is properly imprinted and drawn by the issuing office. Orders are payable in the amount imprinted by the machine and for no more than the allowed maximum. c. It does not bear any alterations or erasures. Require positive identification. Hold money order to light and examine. Ensure that in direct light there are no areas (especially check the dollar amount) where more light passes through the form, since this could mean that the money order has been altered. If the cashier believes a money order has been altered, the cashier must contact the postmaster or the postmaster's representative. If the postmaster also believes the money order has been altered, then the Inspection Service must be notified immediately. d. It is presented by the payee, endorsee, or purchaser. (A duplicate money order is payable only if presented by the payee or by his endorsee.) Money orders bearing rubber-stamped endorsements may be accepted from responsible individuals or business firms, provided a specimen of the form of endorsement to be so used is filed with the postmaster over the signature of the individual, or an authorized officer of the company, accepting responsibility for the payment of orders so endorsed. Note: If in doubt as to the date or amount on a domestic money order, verify the information by sending an inquiry to MONEY ORDER BRANCH, POSTAL DATA CENTER, US POSTAL SERVICE, PO BOX 82453, ST LOUIS MO 63182-9453; or telephone the Money Order Branch at PEN (314) 436-4795 or commercial (314) 436-4795. 941.37 Identification of Payee. When presenting a money order for payment, the payee must sign in the presence of a postal employee. If the payee is not personally known to the postal employee, the payee is required to provide identification. Normally acceptable forms of identification are driver's permits, military identification cards, or other credentials showing signature of bearer and having serial numbers or other indicia which can be traced to the holder. Social Security cards are not acceptable. The Postal Service may refuse payment on any money order when the identity of the payee is not proven to the satisfaction of the postal employee. 941.38 Disposition of Paid Orders. Put the office dating stamp and initials on the back of the money orders paid and handle them as postal funds. When a customer regularly presents a large number of money orders for payment, write to the Money Order Branch for special instructions on handling. 941.39 Cashing Money Orders Issued by Foreign Countries. See International Mail Manual 391.5. 941.4 Inquiries 941.41 Who May Receive Information. Information about money order transactions may be given to the purchaser, payee, or endorsee, or their agent, or to a representative of the Postal Service. Compliance with requests from others must be authorized by Headquarters. 941.42 Inquiries Regarding Payment. For domestic money orders, use Form 6401. Customers (owner, payee, or endorsee only) must complete, sign, and submit Form 6401 for any inquiry on the status of a domestic money order. Customers may submit Form 6401 at any time (there is no waiting period). Affix and cancel the appropriate stamps or meter strip used for payment of the inquiry fee over the eagle indicia and FIM on the Form 6401. A Form 6401, when used for official business, may be mailed without stamps or a meter strip. 941.43 Fee 941.431 Amount. The customer must pay the fee prescribed in 941.124c for each money order inquiry submitted on a Form 6401. Each Form 6401 covers only one money order. 941.432 Exception. The fee required by 941.431 does not have to be paid by banks, other financial institutions, and the Government agencies that process money orders directly with the Federal Reserve Bank, and for official post office business. 941.5 Photocopy or Replacement of Paid Money Orders. After the Money Order Branch has received Form 6401 a. If the money order has been cashed, a photocopy is sent to the customer filing the inquiry. A photocopy can be obtained only within 2 years of the money order payment date. b. If the money order has not been cashed, the Money Order Branch sends a replacement money order within 60 days after receipt of the Form 6401. A replacement order is sent to the payee designated in the "Send Refund To" part of the Form 6401. 941.6 Wrong Payment 941.61 Through Error Only. If a money order intended for one person or firm is paid to another through an error by the Postal Service, the following procedures apply: a. The Money Order Branch advises both the issuing office and the correct payee, by letter, that a new money order is to be issued by the issuing office. b. The issuing office, after reissuing a new money order to the correct payee, places the amount of the money order in suspense. c. The issuing office initiates collection action from the endorser of the original money order. d. The issuing office should retain the letter and photocopy from the Money Order Branch until the amount in suspense has been cleared. e. Any fee paid by the customer for the copy of the original money order should be refunded by the postmaster. 941.62 Through Alleged Forgery. When improper payment is alleged, the purchaser or payee must notify the Money Order Branch, St. Louis Postal Data Center (for address, see Address List in Appendices). Upon notification, the Money Order Branch sends the payee a claim/questionnaire form to be completed only by the payee. As soon as the Money Order Branch receives the photocopy of the improperly cashed money order and the completed claim/questionnaire form, the purchaser or payee is reimbursed, if there is no question as to the validity of the claim, unless the domestic money order was sent to a foreign country. Reimbursement for a domestic money order sent to a foreign country requires a longer processing period. This is because a refund is required from the presenting institution prior to reimbursement to the purchaser or payee. 941.7 Nonpostal Money Orders 941.71 Postmasters and employees must not sell nonpostal money orders, checks, or similar instruments for the transmission of money. 941.72 Nonpostal money orders which are sold by contract and personnel rural stations and branches are separate from the postal operations and must not be identified with that function. 941.8 Payments to Banks through Federal Reserve System 941.81 General. All money orders are forwarded through the Federal Reserve Banking System. Commercial banks provide this service. 941.82 Presentation for Payment. Banks may present money orders for payment through the Federal Reserve System. 941.83 Definitions 941.831 "Money order" means a U.S. Postal Money Order. 941.832 "Federal Reserve Bank" means a Federal Reserve Bank or branch thereof which presents a money order for payment by the Postmaster General. 941.833 "Presenting bank" means a bank which presents a money order to and receives credit therefor from a Federal Reserve Bank. 941.834 "Reclamation" means the action taken by the Postmaster General to obtain refund of the amounts of paid money orders. 941.835 "Examination" includes examination of money orders for indicia of theft, forged endorsements, forged signatures or initials of issuing personnel, raised amounts, and other material defects by means of electronic methods and also visual inspection for discovery of defects which cannot be electronically discovered. 941.836 "Stolen money order" means a U.S. Postal Money Order which has been stolen from a post office, classified or contract station or branch, or postal employee before it has been officially issued by the post office, classified or contract station or branch, or by a postal employee in the course of discharging his official duties. 941.84 Payment. The Postmaster General has the usual right of a drawee to examine money orders presented for payment by banks through the Federal Reserve System and to refuse payment of money orders, and shall have a reasonable time after presentation to make each examination. Provisional credit shall be given to the Federal Reserve Bank when it furnishes the money orders for payment by the Postmaster General. Money orders shall be deemed to be paid only after examination has been fully completed, subject to the right of the Postmaster General to make reclamation as provided for in 941.86. 941.85 Endorsements. The presenting bank and the endorser of a money order presented for payment are deemed to guarantee to the Postmaster General that all prior endorsements are genuine, whether or not an express guarantee to that effect has been placed on the money order. When an endorsement has been made by a person other than the payee personally, the presenting bank and the endorser are deemed to guarantee to the Postmaster General, in addition to other warranties, that the person who so endorsed had unqualified capacity and authority to endorse the money order in behalf of the payee. 941.86 Reclamation. The Postmaster General shall have the right to demand refund from the presenting bank of the amount of a paid money order if, after payment, the money order is found to have been stolen, or to bear a forged or unauthorized endorsement, or to contain any material defect or alteration which was not discovered upon examination. Such right includes, but is not limited to, the right to make reclamation of the amount by which a genuine money order bearing a proper and an authorized endorsement has been raised. Such right must be exercised within a reasonable time after the Postmaster General discovers that the money order has been stolen, bears a forged or unauthorized endorsement, or is otherwise defective. If refund is not made by the presenting bank within 60 days after demand, the Postmaster General shall take such actions as may be necessary to protect the interests of the United States. 942 Nonpostal Stamps 942.1 Migratory-Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps 942.11 Purpose. Migratory-bird hunting and conservation stamps are required by Federal law to hunt migratory birds, such as ducks, geese, etc. Post offices act as agents of the Federal Government in selling these stamps to provide a convenient location for purchasing them. 942.12 Where Sold. Migratory-bird hunting and conservation stamps are sold at all post offices in CAGs A-J, and at certain designated offices in CAGs K and L where there is a demand for them. A current migratory-bird poster must be displayed in the lobby. 942.13 Instructions on Administration of Hunting Laws. Postal employees must not instruct purchasers of migratory-bird hunting and conservation stamps on matters relating to administration of hunting laws. Inquiries should be directed to local game wardens or to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior (for address, see Address List in Appendices). 942.14 Redemption from Public. Blocks composed of two or more attached unused stamps, sold on consignment to any person but not resold, may be redeemed at any time on or before the last day of the stamp year. Stamps validated by signature or stamps which appear to have been removed from a hunting license or identification card are not accepted. 942.15 Accounting for Stamps. Receipt to evidence payment must not be issued if stamps are not available. Money from sales must be treated as postal funds. Refunds must be made from postal funds, and redeemed stock must be treated as nonsalable. 942.2 United States Savings Stamps. Post offices no longer redeem U.S. savings stamps posted in albums, previously acceptable as postal funds. Refer holders to a Federal Reserve Bank or branch, or advise holders to mail albums at their own risk to the Bureau of the Public Debt, U.S. Department of the Treasury (for address, see Address List in Appendices). 943 United States Savings Bonds The Postal Service discontinued over-the-counter sales of savings bonds on March 26, 1977, at the request of the Treasury Department. In the judgment of the Treasury Department, the sale of savings bonds at post offices is unnecessary because a sufficient number of other issuing agents are available. Inquiries for further information should be made to local financial institutions or to the Treasury Department. 944 Postal Savings The Postal Savings System was discontinued by Public Law 89-377, approved March 28, 1966. The effective date for closing the system was April 27, 1966. The final expiration date was July 13, l985, regarding inquiries that could lead to recovery of monies invested in Postal Savings Accounts and/or Postal Savings Certificates. 945 Mailing List Services 945.1 General 945.11 Definitions a. Mailing lists are names and addresses, or addresses only, produced on individual cards or in sheet form. b. The official city delivery scheme is called the Carrier Route Information System (CRIS) and is available to mailers. 945.12 Purpose. In the interest of improving address quality, the Postal Service corrects mailing lists and, for multi-ZIP Coded cities, sorts mailing lists by 5-digit ZIP Code. 945.13 Types of Service. Four types of mailing list service are available, as follows: a. Name and address list correction (see 945.2). b. Occupant list correction (see 945.3). c. Sortation of mailing lists on cards by 5-digit ZIP Code (see 945.4). d. Address changes to election boards and voter registration commissions (see 945.5). 945.14 Availability. For the prescribed fee (see 945.16), postal employees may provide the services described in 945.13a through 945.13c for mailing lists submitted by members of Congress; Federal agencies; departments of state governments; municipalities; religious, fraternal, and recognized charitable organizations; and concerns or persons who solicit business by mail. 945.15 Prohibitions a. In correcting mailing lists under this section, postal employees must not compile any mailing list, including an occupant list. Postal employees must mark all corrections on the list submitted by the mailer. b. Persons other than Postal Service employees may not copy, or record by any means, names or addresses from carrier cases. 945.16 Fees 945.161 Correction of Name and Address or Occupant Lists a. The fee is $0.15 for each name or street address on the list, with a minimum fee of $5 for each list corrected. The minimum applies for lists with fewer than 35 names or addresses. (For purposes of assessing the $5 minimum fee, a list consists of all the addresses sent at one time to the appropriate MSC/division as prescribed by 945.213.) b. Individual apartments are considered separate addresses. c. No fee is charged for corrections where rural routes have been consolidated or changed to another post office, or where rural route and box number addresses have been changed to city-style addresses, provided the list contains only names and/or addresses of persons residing on the routes involved, and provided the list is submitted for correction during the time when the local post office is required to retain the address conversion information (see 159.134). 945.162 Sortation of Mailing Lists on Cards by Five-Digit ZIP Code. The fee for this service is $54 per 1,000 addresses or fraction thereof. 945.163 Address Changes Furnished to Election Boards and Voter Registration Commissions. The fee is $0.15 for each Form 3575 furnished to the board or commission. The fee is collected on a per-card basis regardless of the number of changes made on the card and regardless of whether the change concerns a person on the board's or commission's list of registrants. In lieu of the actual forms, post offices may supply facsimiles of the forms or copies of the information they contain at no additional fee. 945.164 Payment a. General. Post offices providing the correction service must clearly annotate the total fee due for that service on the outside of the package containing the corrected cards or lists. b. How. Payment must be made by cash, check, or money order. Checks are accepted in accordance with Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, 330. Payment for corrections of lists submitted by Federal agencies or by persons authorized to send matter as official mail may be made under the official mail reimbursement program. Checks must be made payable to Postmaster c. When. The payment may be made in advance (i.e., upon submission of the list), or the list owner may make payment of the applicable fee at the time of delivery of the corrected address list. d. Where. Payments must be made to the MSC/division to which the list was submitted. 945.17 Time Limits. Postal employees must correct mailing lists submitted under 945.2, 945.3, or 945.4 and return them to the owner within 10 workdays after receipt. However, this time limit does not apply to mailing lists received for correction between November 16 and January 1. Lists received between these dates are returned as soon as possible. 945.2 Name and Address List Correction 945.21 Submission of Cards or Lists 945.211 How to Prepare Lists a. Lists must be typewritten, printed, or computer-prepared and must be in sheet form. b. Adequate space must be allowed between or next to each address to permit entry of corrections. c. The list owner's name must appear in the upper left corner of each page or sheet. d. A separate list should be presented for each carrier route, and must be presented for each carrier route served by a post office with 190 or more revenue units. e. Lists must be separated by post office, and should be separated and sequenced by 5-digit ZIP Code. 945.212 How to Prepare Cards a. Each card should be about the size (3-1/2 by 5-1/2 inches) and quality of a postal card. Data processing cards are acceptable. b. Only one name and address may appear on each card. c. Cards must be typewritten, printed, or computer-prepared. d. Adequate space must be allowed on the card to permit entry of corrections. e. The list owner's name must appear in the upper left corner of each card. f. Lists (groups of cards) must be separated by post office, and should be separated and sequenced by 5-digit ZIP Code. g. To facilitate handling, mailers are urged to submit the lists (groups of cards) in containers that are sequentially numbered to show the total number of containers for the 5-digit ZIP Code area. 945.213 Where to Submit Cards or Lists. Customers must submit the address cards or mailing lists to the management sectional center (MSC) or field division for addresses within the area served by the MSC/division. (The address of each MSC/division and the ZIP Codes each serves may be found in Publication 65, National Five-Digit ZIP Code and Post Office Directory.) Unless directed otherwise by the MSC/division, mailers must address the submission as follows: DIRECTOR OPERATIONS SUPPORT OFFICE OF AIS (STREET ADDRESS) (CITY) (STATE) (ZIP CODE) 945.214 Postage. Cards or lists submitted under 945.2, 945.3, or 945.4 may be mailed by their owners to the designated MSC/division (see 945.213, 945.31, and 945.431), but the list owner must prepay the postage for such items at the applicable rate. The submitted items are returned free of postage. 945.22 List Corrections 945.221 Controls. The Office of Address Information Systems (AIS) personnel records the name and address of the list owner, the number of cards or the number of addresses appearing on the sheets, and the date received, and ensures that the list owner remitted sufficient funds to cover all applicable fees, or made provision for payment of those fees upon return of the corrected lists (see 945.164c). AIS then directs the list to the post office or personnel responsible for the address corrections. 945.222 Elements Corrected. Postal employees must do the following: a. Cross off names to which mail cannot be delivered or forwarded. b. Correct initials and/or last names when the name apparently is known to the owner of the list. c. Correct the house, rural, or post office box number; correct the last line (post office name, state abbreviation and 5-digit ZIP Code); and, in multiple-unit buildings, add apartment, suite, or room numbers, if known by the postal employee. d. Correct spelling of street names, suffixes, and placement of directionals to conform with the CRIS scheme. e. Furnish new addresses, including ZIP Codes, for (1) customers who have moved and for whom permanent forwarding orders are on file, and (2) addresses, if known, that have become undeliverable because of Postal Service adjustments as provided in 159.13. f. Mark an "X" in the upper right corner of the card or next to each entry on the sheet where no change is necessary. 945.223 New Names and Addresses. In making corrections under this section, postal employees must not add a new name or address to a card or list. 945.3 Occupant Lists 945.31 Submission. Customers must submit lists of street addresses in accordance with 945.21. Customers must not submit lists that include more than 110% of the possible deliveries for a specific 5-digit ZIP Code delivery area. 945.32 List Corrections 945.321 Controls. AIS personnel must record the information specified in 945.221. 945.322 Elements Corrected. Postal employees must perform the following corrections on occupant and street address lists: a. Furnish new addresses, if known, for addresses that have become undeliverable because of Postal Service adjustments as provided in 159.13. b. Correct last lines (post office names, state abbreviations, and 5-digit ZIP Codes), spelling of street names, suffixes and placement of directionals to conform with the CRIS scheme. c. Cross off numbers representing incorrect or nonexistent street addresses, but do not change or add numbers. d. Indicate business addresses by inserting "B" in the upper right corner of the card, or opposite the street number as printed on the sheet, as applicable. e. Indicate addresses on a rural route by "R" in the upper right corner of the card, or opposite the street number as printed on the sheet, as applicable. f. Indicate the number of separate family units opposite addresses of multiple-unit dwellings. g. Mark an "X" in the upper right corner of the card or next to each entry on the sheet where no change is necessary. h. Group corrected cards or sheets by carrier route for return to the list owner. 945.4 Sortation of Mailing Lists on Cards by Five-Digit ZIP Code 945.41 Address Information System Products. Customers should use Postal Service Address Information System products to obtain correct 5-digit ZIP Codes for the addresses on their mailing lists. These products generally are more economical than mailing list services. Customers with computerized address lists may obtain the City/State file, Five-Digit ZIP Code file, Carrier Route Information System (CRIS), and ZIP+4 tapes. Other products which customers may use to determine a correct 5-digit ZIP Code include Postal Service directories and microfiche products. These products provide correct 5-digit ZIP Codes for singleand multi-ZIP Coded offices. Postal Service account representatives can provide information about ordering and using these products. 945.42 Single Five-Digit ZIP Code Post Offices. The customer must code mailing lists by 5-digit ZIP Code for single 5-digit ZIP Code post offices. 945.43 Multi-ZIP Coded Post Offices 945.431 Submission of Cards. Post offices must sort mailing lists consisting of addresses for the multi-ZIP Coded post offices described in 122.632 according to 5-digit ZIP Codes, under the following conditions: a. The addresses to be separated must be submitted on cards about the size (3-1/2 by 5-1/2 inches) and quality of a postal card. Data processing cards are acceptable. Only one address may appear on each card. b. The owner must separate the cards by post office of address, and submit each group to the MSC or division AIS office serving that post office. c. The list owner must wrap mailing lists (cards) for mailing when practicable; the name and address of the owner must appear on the outside of the wrap or container. 945.432 Prohibition. Labels, wrappers, envelopes, postal cards, or postcards indicating one-time use are not accepted as mailing lists. 945.433 Sortation. Postal employees must sort cards by 5-digit ZIP Code and securely bundle them with a facing slip marked "All for ZIP Code Area (00000)." ZIP Codes must not be written on individual cards. 945.5 Furnishing Address Changes to Election Boards and Voter Registration Commissions 945.51 General. Election boards or voter registration commissions are encouraged to use the "Address Correction Requested" endorsement and/or the National Change of Address (NCOA) system to maintain current address lists. Duly constituted election boards or voter registration commissions using permanent registration may also obtain residential change-of-address information from Forms 3575 under the procedures in 945.52. 945.52 Procedures. To obtain change-of-address information on Forms 3575 the following must be done: a. An authorized official of an election board or voter registration commission must sign and submit to the MSC/division manager a written request that lists the post offices for which change-of-address information is desired. (The address of each MSC/division and the ZIP Codes each serves may be found in Publication 65, National Five-Digit ZIP Code and Post Office Directory.) b. The MSC/division manager must review the request and, if it is approved, obtain an agreement (signed by an authorized official of the board or commission) detailing the terms under which the change-of-address information is to be released. c. When the signed agreement has been received by the MSC/division, its AIS office provides instructions for the release of Forms 3575 to the appropriate postmasters. d. Each postmaster must monitor the release, control, and return of Forms 3575 to ensure compliance with the terms of the written agreement and collection of the applicable fees. 946 Address Sequencing Services 946.1 General. Upon request, the Postal Service provides one of three levels of address card sequencing for city carrier routes, rural routes, highway contract routes, and post office box sections, as follows: a. Sequencing of address cards (see 946.3). b. Sequencing of address cards with blank cards added for missing addresses (see 946.4). c. Sequencing of address cards with cards added containing missing and new addresses (see 946.5). 946.2 Presentation of Address Cards. When address cards are submitted to the Postal Service, they must be faced in the same direction. In addition, the following conditions must be met: a. Size. All cards must be standard card stock and identical size. They must be within the following dimensions: length, 5 to 8-5/16 inches; height, 2-1/4 to 4-1/4 inches. All cards should be the size of a standard 80-column computer card (i.e., 7-5/16 inches in length by 3-1/4 inches in height). b. Color. All address cards must be either white or buff colored. c. Blank Cards Submitted. Customers must submit blank cards of a different color from the color used with their address cards so post offices can insert missing or new addresses, as provided in 946.4 and 946.5. Each customer who submits address cards for correction under 946.4 and 946.5 must supply a quantity of blank cards equaling at least 10% of the number of address cards submitted. d. Number of Addresses. Each address card must bear only one address. The mailer must not submit address cards in excess of 110% of the possible deliveries for a specific 5-digit ZIP Code delivery area. e. Address Format. The customer's current address information must be computer-generated, typed, or printed along the top of the card. The address should be positioned within 1/2 inch from the top edge of the address card. However, it must be within 1 inch from the top edge. Each card must include a complete address, except that the identification of the correct carrier route and ZIP Code is optional. It is strongly recommended, however, that this information be included on individual cards. Street names should not be abbreviated. However, street designators may be abbreviated using the abbreviations listed in section 2 of Publication 65, National Five-Digit ZIP Code and Post Office Directory. The address must be placed in approximately the same location on each card submitted. An example of the desired card format is shown in Exhibit 946.2e. *viewer dmm940.pcx* When sequence cards are used to obtain address sequence information for post office boxes, the box section number is to be substituted for the carrier route number. Exhibit 946.2e (NOT SHOWN) f. Header Cards. Carrier route header cards on standard 80-column computer card stock or other approved address-card size (see 946.2a) must be typewritten, computer-generated, or printed by the customer. They must be submitted whenever address cards are submitted. A route header must be placed in front of the cards for each route and be the same size as the address cards. Mailers may abbreviate column headings so all required information can fit on the card. However, all columns must be provided on the header cards, regardless of the level of service requested. The route header card format must be as shown in Exhibit 946.2f. DMM940Exhibit 946.2e, Address Card Format] Exhibit 946.2f Exhibit 946.2f (NOT SHOWN) SC,6,3 ] CARRIER ROUTE HEADER CARD *5-digit ZIP Code Submitted*Post Office *Cards Are: Resident Business Combination of Resident and Business *Level of Service Requested: Sequencing of Address Cards (946.3) Sequencing of Address Cards, with Total Possible Deliveries Shown (946.4) Sequencing of Address Cards with Missing or New Addresses Added (946.5) ABCDEF GHI Nonchargeable Svcs Chargeable Services **Non-Total CarrierRuralexistentNewCurrent Route/MissingAddresseesAddressees AddresseesTotalPossible PO Box No.CountChangesAddresseesConverted RemovedAddedReturnedDeliveries (All(All(All(946.4(All(All(946.5 (All(All Services)Services)Services)Services) Services)Services)Services)Services) Services) *To Be Completed by Customer (Reverse Side) Column Explanations A. Carrier route number or post office box section number (all services). B. The number of addresses the customer is submitting for the route. C. The number (indicated with a minus (-) sign) of deliverable addresses which are not deliverable by the designated route carrier. (Carriers must give these cards to their supervisors.) The number indicated with a plus (+) sign) of deliverable addresses from other routes which are brought to the designated route for sequencing. D. The number of delivery addresses missing from the submitted list. The carrier must identify these by inserting one blank card per missing address or noting a series of sequenced missing addresses on one blank card. These blank cards are inserted in proper sequence in the address cards submitted by the customer. Use of this column applies to 946.4 service only. E. The number of rural addresses converted to city delivery. F. The number of nonexistent addresses. These are addresses which are undeliverable by any carrier. The carrier must remove these address cards and return as a separate bundle. G. The number of new addresses not contained in the customer's cards. One card may contain multiple possible deliveries. Each delivery is counted as a chargeable addition. H. Total addresses being returned to customer. For 946.3 service (column B, plus or minus column C, minus column F). For 946.4 service (columns B+D), plus or minus column C, minus (column F). For 946.5 service (column B, plus or minus column C, -F+G). I. The maximum possible delivery count for business and/or residential deliveries including individual apartment units from 1621, Carrier Route Report. (Should agree with column H for service provided under 946.4 and 946.5 only.) Exhibit 946.2f] g. Delivery Unit Summary. A delivery unit summary must be typewritten, computer-generated, or printed by the customer. An original and two copies must be submitted for each 5-digit ZIP Code delivery area whenever address cards for that 5-digit ZIP Code delivery area are presented for sequencing. This form, used by the Postal Service to provide summary information to the customer, is necessary for the calculation of total charges for the level of service provided. The original must be returned to the customer along with the cards. It serves as the customer's bill. The local post office performing the service must retain one copy and forward the other to the MSC. The required format for the Delivery Unit Summary form is shown in Exhibit 946.2g. Exhibit 946.2g (NOT SHOWN) h. Submission of Cards. Customers must submit the containers of address cards to the manager of the management sectional center (MSC) for carrier routes within the area served by the MSC. Address cards for each 5-digit ZIP Code area must be submitted in a separate container or containers. Each container must have an envelope affixed to it which includes appropriate packing lists and Delivery Unit Summary sheets for that 5-digit ZIP Code area. Containers of address cards must be addressed as follows: MSC Director, Customer Services, AIS Division, Address Card Sequencing Service, street address, city, state, and ZIP Code, or as locally designated. The mailer must identify the number of shipping containers which are submitted for each 5-digit ZIP Code delivery area on the Delivery Unit Summary. In addition, each of these containers must be sequentially numbered to show the total number of containers for that 5-digit ZIP Code area. For example, if three containers are submitted for a specific 5-digit ZIP Code area, the containers must be marked as follows: "1 of 3," "2 of 3," and "3 of 3." If there is more than one container for the 5-digit ZIP Code area, the Delivery Unit Summary must be affixed to the first container. The MSC distributes the cards to the appropriate post offices for sequencing and correction. Exception: Address cards which relate only to those addresses in the city in which the mailer is located may be submitted to the postmaster of that city for sequencing and correction. i. Postage. Cards mailed to the post office must be postage-paid at the applicable rate. They are returned to customers free of postage. 946.3 Sequencing of Address Cards. Postal employees must arrange unsequenced address cards in sequence of carrier route delivery without charge. Cards with incorrect or undeliverable addresses are removed from the list, bundled separately, and returned to the customer. The local post office performing the service returns the cards and the bill for any applicable charges (the Delivery Unit Summary, see 946.2g) to the customer within 15 workdays after receipt of a properly prepared request for address sequencing. Exception: The 15-workday time limit does not apply to sequence cards received between November 16 and January 1. Sequence cards received between these dates are sequenced as promptly as practical (see 946.71 for applicable charges). 946.4 Sequencing of Address Cards With Blank Cards Added for Missing Addresses. Postal employees must arrange unsequenced address cards in sequence of carrier route delivery without charge. Cards with incorrect or undeliverable addresses are removed from the list, bundled separately, and returned to the customer. In addition, postal employees insert a blank card for each existing address that is not included in the customer's address cards. If several addresses in a series are missing, a single blank card is inserted for the series showing the number of missing addresses. The local post office performing the service returns the cards and a bill for any applicable charges (the Delivery Unit Summary, see 946.2g) to the customer within 15 workdays after receipt of a properly prepared request for address sequencing, except for cards received between November 16 and January 1, as noted in 946.3 (see 946.72 for applicable charges). 946.5 Sequencing of Address Cards With Cards Added Containing Missing and New Addresses Exhibit 946.5 (NOT SHOWN) 946.51 General. Postal employees must arrange unsequenced address cards in sequence of carrier route delivery without charge. Cards with incorrect or undeliverable addresses are removed from the list, bundled separately, and returned to the customer. In addition, new or omitted addresses are added to the customer's address cards in delivery sequence, including rural address conversions to city delivery. 946.52 Additional Requirements. The Postal Service performs this level of service, if the customer meets the following additional requirements: a. Separate Groups. Separate groups of address cards must be submitted for the addresses in each 5-digit ZIP Code delivery area. b. Mailing Statement. The customer must submit a mailing statement for each 5-digit ZIP Code area, showing the following: (1) The types of addresses contained on the cards (i.e., a residence-only grouping, a business-only grouping, or a combination grouping). (2) The number of addresses contained on the cards. (3) The name, mailing address, and phone number of the address list owner or designated agent. ] DELIVERY UNIT SUMMARY *5-Digit ZIP Code Submitted *Name of Post Office *Pageof *Customer's Name *Mailing Address *LEVELS OF SERVICE REQUESTED: *Cards are: *City/State/ZIP (@@) Sequencing of Address Cards (946.3) (@@) Resident (@@) Business (@@) Sequencing of Address Cards with Total (@@) Combination of Resident Possible Deliveries Shown (946.4) and Business *Telephone No. (@@) Sequencing of Address Cards with Missing and New Addresses Added (946.5) Number of Boxes/Containers Submitted *Date Submitted ABCDE FGHI NONCHARGEABLE SERVICES CHARGEABLE SERVICES **TOTAL CARRIERRURALNONEXISTENTNEWCURRENT ROUTEMISSINGADDRESSESADDRESSES ADDRESSESTOTALPOSSIBLE NUMBERCOUNTCHANGESADDRESSESCONVERTED REMOVEDADDEDRETURNEDDELIVERABLE (ALL SERVICES)(ALL SERVICES)(ALL SERVICES) (946.4 SERVICES)(ALL SERVICES)(ALL SERVICES) (946.5 SERVICES)(ALL SERVICES) (ALL SERVICES) TOTALS CHARGESX $0.15 X $0.15 AMOUNT DUE FROM CUSTOMER (column (F + G) X $0.15)Total = +$ Date Cards ReceivedDate Cards Returned * to be completed by mailer Scheme Date UsedSupervisor's Signature and Date (See Exhibit 946.2f for column explanations) Exhibit 946.2g] c. Post Office Box Addresses. Within a 5-digit ZIP Code area, separate groups of address cards must be submitted for post office box addresses. Post office box addresses must be separately identified from "route" (city carrier route, rural route, and highway contract route) addresses on the statement submitted by the mailer. d. Mailing List Requirements. The mailing list that the cards represent must contain: (1) City Carrier Residence-Only Grouping. Ninety percent of all possible residential city carrier addresses within the 5-digit ZIP Code area, if the addresses are in a residence-only grouping. (2) City Carrier Business-Only Grouping. Ninety percent of all possible business city carrier addresses within the 5-digit ZIP Code area, if the addresses are in a business-only grouping. (3) City Carrier Combination Residence and Business Grouping. Ninety percent of all possible city carrier addresses within the 5-digit ZIP Code area, if the addresses are in a combination grouping. (4) Rural Carrier and Highway Contract Route Grouping. Ninety percent of all possible rural carrier or highway contract route deliveries within the 5-digit ZIP Code area. (5) Post Office Box Grouping. Ninety percent of all possible post office box deliveries within the 5-digit ZIP Code area whether business, residence, or a combination of both. 946.53 Apartments and Office Buildings. In calculating the total number of addresses within a 5-digit ZIP Code area, each apartment unit in an apartment building or each office in an office building which constitutes a deliverable address is treated as a separate address. For each office building or apartment unit with a series of addresses, mailers should submit blank cards suitable for showing both the series of addresses and the total number of individual addresses involved. A suggested format is shown in Exhibit 946.5. *viewer dmf943.pcx* (See 946.73 for applicable charges.) 946.54 Incorporating Changes. Upon receipt of returned cards, customers are expected to incorporate the changes in their mailings within 75 days. 946.55 Resubmission of Address Cards. The customers must determine when address cards need to be submitted for resequencing to maintain the 90% eligibility level of address coverage (see 946.52). The post office must not instruct or advise mailers how often they need to submit lists to remain qualified for the level of service provided under 946.5. The frequency depends on unique community growth factors which the mailer is responsible for monitoring. Delivery statistics for all carrier routes and post office box sections are included in the CRIS scheme. (See 946.92 for CRIS ordering information.) 946.6 Seasonal Addresses. Address cards subject to seasonal occupancy and submitted for sequencing under all levels of service available, are handled as follows: Correct address cards subject to seasonal occupancy, but which do not indicate seasonal treatment, are marked with an "S" on the address card. If the address is included in a series card, such as those used specifically for apartment buildings, trailer parks, and seasonal delivery areas in general, the appropriate "seasonal" indicator box is checked (see Exhibit 946.2f). When correct address cards are submitted that are not subject to seasonal occupancy, but include seasonal treatment notations, the carrier obliterates or marks through the seasonal indicator. These cards are placed in their proper carrier route sequence order in the returned deck of cards. They are specifically identified by a rubber band around the card. No charges are assessed for this service. ] DMM943Exhibit 946.5] 946.7 Charges 946.71 Sequencing of Address Cards (946.3) a. A charge of $0.15 is assessed for each address card the mailer has included which is removed because the card has an incorrect or undeliverable address. b. All cards removed from the deck of cards are bundled separately and returned to the mailer. The original copy of the Delivery Unit Summary is returned to the mailer after completion by Postal Service personnel and serves as the mailer's bill. Mailers must submit payment for the amount due shown on the Delivery Unit Summary to the local post office or as locally designated. 946.72 Sequencing of Address Cards With Total Possible Deliveries Shown (946.4). The same charges are assessed as noted in 946.71. No charge is assessed for the insertion of blank cards showing the range of missing addresses in a submitted list. The original copy of the Delivery Unit Summary must be returned to the mailer after completion by Postal Service personnel and serves as the mailer's bill. Mailers must submit payment for the amount shown due on the Delivery Unit Summary to the local post office, or as locally designated. 946.73 Sequencing of Address Cards With Missing or New Addresses Added (946.5). In addition to the charges assessed in 946.71, a charge of $0.15 is assessed for each address (possible delivery) which is added to the mailer's list. For apartment or office buildings with a series of addresses for which the Postal Service provides a range of addresses, the charge is $0.15 for each address (possible delivery) in the range or series. The original copy of the Delivery Unit Summary is returned to the mailer after completion by Postal Service personnel and serves as the mailer's bill. Mailers must submit payment for the amount shown due on the Delivery Unit Summary to the local post office, or as locally designated. 946.74 Nonchargeable Items (All Levels of Service). The following services are provided at no charge for all levels of service: a. Rural Conversions to City Delivery. If the mailer includes a rural address (box number) in a deck of cards submitted for sequencing, and a street address has been assigned to that box number so it can be served on a city delivery route, a correct address card is included at no charge. Mailers using simplified addresses (see 122.4) are charged for rural conversion service. b. Address Correction. The post office attempts, but does not guarantee, to make simple corrections to addresses that can be identified as a specific delivery address and are not undeliverable as addressed or nonexistent. Examples are an obvious spelling error or a missing street designator. Corrections are noted on the submitted address cards. These cards are placed in their proper carrier route sequence order in the returned deck of cards. They are specifically identified by wrapping a rubber band around the cards. Mailers are expected to incorporate these noted corrections into their mailing lists. 946.8 Customer Compliance for Submission of Properly Sequenced Mailings 946.81 General. The customer must ensure that mailings are prepared in correct carrier route delivery sequence, and resequence cards whenever necessary. The Postal Service ceases to provide list-sequencing service to any customer whose mailings are not prepared in correct carrier route delivery sequence, if the customer is notified of this deficiency and fails to take corrective action. 946.82 Verification. Local managers must verify that customers whose address cards have been arranged in sequence of carrier delivery are preparing mailing packages for each route with the individual pieces in delivery-address sequence. 946.83 Changes Affecting Delivery Sequence Only. If delivery changes occur that affect delivery sequence, but do not cause scheme changes, the MSC or local postmaster must notify customers, in writing, of the affected routes and request that they submit their address cards for resequencing. The customer must then submit either the cards for the affected routes or the complete ZIP Code for resequencing. Mailings should reflect delivery sequence changes within 90 days after the mailer is notified of these changes. 946.84 Out-of-Sequence Mailings. If a carrier route sequenced mailing is received and it is out of sequence, the mailing is accepted and the customer is informed in writing of the error. The customer must be notified that, unless the situation is corrected, the Postal Service will cease to provide carrier route sequencing service. If the mailer does not take necessary action to correct the noted deficiences in future mailings, the postmaster must provide notice in writing that the mailer is no longer allowed to submit address cards to that post office for sequencing. 946.85 Mailer Appeal and Reinstatement Procedures a. Appeal Procedures. When a postmaster provides written notice to customers that they are no longer eligible for list-sequencing service because action has not been taken to correct past deficiencies (946.84), mailers may appeal that decision, in writing, within 30 days to the postmaster. The postmaster forwards the appeal to the MSC manager who has the final authority to reinstate service or uphold the postmaster's decision. b. Reinstatement. A mailer who has had the address card sequencing service withdrawn cannot submit any cards for sequencing at the post office (or MSC responsible for the affected post office) where that sequencing service has been terminated for a period of 1 year following the effective date of service withdrawal. After 1 year following termination of the service, the customer is again authorized to submit address lists for sequencing. Exception: At any time during the year following termination of service, the customer may renew the submission of address cards, if the postmaster or MSC manager is convinced that the customer has taken all necessary action to correct past deficiencies. 946.9 Carrier Route Presort Mailings 946.91 General. Customers mailing matter at a carrier route presort rate can ensure that they are using the most recent carrier route scheme information by maintaining their address cards in accordance with the procedures in 946.92 and 946.93. Maintenance of address cards in accordance with these procedures facilitates compliance with carrier route presort preparation requirements. 946.92 Request for Scheme Changes. Upon request, the Postal Service provides, on a continuing basis, the latest CRIS route change information. This information is available as hard copy (paper) for specific 5-digit or specific 3-digit ZIP Code areas. It is available by postal regions or for the entire United States on microfiche or magnetic tape. All products are updated as changes occur and are available as monthly "change only" information. These products should be ordered by sending Form 4645 to CRIS Customer Fulfillment Request, Address Information Center, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see Address List in Appendices). 946.93 Resubmission of Address Cards. Customers receiving scheme-change information under 946.92 should promptly submit for resequencing all address cards affected by any carrier route scheme change. (If the post office is to meet the requirements of 946, cards presented for resequencing must be sorted to the carrier routes as shown in the latest scheme change received by the customer.) If the cards are not sequenced in this manner, the post office is not accountable for meeting the service-time requirements. Mailers should only submit cards for those routes which are affected by scheme changes.