Required Number of Pieces Increased for 5-Digit and 5-Digit Scheme Packages of Low-Weight Standard Mail Flats

Résumé

The Postal Service proposes amending Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) standards by raising the minimum number of pieces at which required 5-digit and optional 5-digit scheme presort destination packages may be prepared in a Standard Mail job consisting of flat-size pieces that weigh no more than 5 ounces (0.3125 pound) and measure no more than \3/4\ inch thick. The maximum thickness permitted for nonautomation flats under DMM C050.3.0 and flats prepared in 5-digit scheme presort destination packages under DMM L007 is \3/4\ inch. Under current standards, mailers have the option to prepare 5-digit and 5-digit scheme presort destination packages (collectively referred to in this proposed rule as 5-digit packages) of flat-size pieces not more than \3/4 \ inch thick, regardless of weight, whenever there are as few as 10 pieces to the same 5-digit ZIP Code or the same 5-digit scheme destination in DMM L007. Under those same standards, mailers must prepare such packages when there are 17 or more pieces to these destinations. If a mailer selects an optional minimum 5-digit package size from 10 to 16 pieces, that same size must be used consistently throughout the mailing job for all 5-digit packa