Postal Bulletin 22206 - May 10, 2007
Transcription
Postal Bulletin 22206 - May 10, 2007
Front Cover 2 Also on the Web: For customers at www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/bulletin/pb.htm For employees at http://blue.usps.gov POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) CONTENTS USPSNews@Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Spring Into Summer Publicity Kit . . . . . . . . . . 5 Marketing Mail Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Philately Stamp Announcement 07-18: Margaret Chase Smith . . . . . Stamp Announcement 07-19: Harriet Beecher Stowe . . . . . Stamp Announcement 07-20: Air Force One (Priority Mail) Stamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stamp Announcement 07-21: Marine One (Express Mail) Stamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stamp Announcement Correction: Pineapple Stamped Cards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additional Information: Bighorn Sheep Stamp . . . . . . . . . . . Star Wars Station Postmarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pictorial Postmarks Announcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How to Order the First Day of Issue Digital Color or Traditional Postmarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mailbox Improvement Week, May 21–27 . . . . 19 Online International Shipping Enhancements and Forms Field Information Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Policies, Procedures, and Forms Updates 119 120 122 123 Manuals DMM Revision: New Standards for First-Class Mail and Priority Mail Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IMM Revision: Mailable Dangerous Goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 39 Handbooks Revision of Handbook AS-873, Telecommunications Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Product Development Understanding Certificate of Mailing Options . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Publications Mover’s Guide News: May 2007 Mover’s Guide News . . . . . Publication 205 Revision, Electronic Verification System — Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Publication 223: Directives and Forms Update . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Pull-Out Information 45 46 Forms Ordering Instructions for May 2007 Postage Statements . . . 48 Fraud Withholding of Mail Orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Invalid Express Mail Corporate Account Numbers . . . . . . . . Missing, Lost, or Stolen U.S. Money Order Forms . . . . . . . . Missing, Lost, or Stolen Canadian Money Order Forms . . . . Verifying U.S. Postal Service Money Orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . Counterfeit Canadian Money Order Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Toll-Free Number Available to Verify Canadian Money Orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Information Desk Address Management Post Office Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Delivery and Retail What’s in Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Domestic Mail Pricing Change Implementation Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Other Information Overseas Military Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Displaying the U.S. Flag and the POW-MIA Flag . . . . . . . . . Missing Children Posters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Finance Employee Cash Credit Count Changes to Once a Month. . . 91 Postal Bulletin Index 94 Information Technology FAST for Periodicals: Accelerating Your Business . . . . . . . . 96 93 94 PB PB PB PB PB PB PB PB 22199: 22198: 22197: 22196: 22195: 22194: 22193: 22192: 67 68 73 77 Recycled Paper 96 98 Ordering Information: Following is the list of postal stock numbers (PSNs) to use when ordering copies of the Postal Bulletin from the MDC: 22206: 7690-09-000-9357 22205: 7690-09-000-9356 22204: 7690-09-000-9355 22203A: 7690-09-000-9947 22203: 7690-09-000-9354 22202: 7690-09-000-9353 22201: 7690-09-000-9352 22200: 7690-09-000-9351 55 57 59 64 67 67 The Postal Bulletin is published biweekly; information is effective for 1 year unless it changes a permanent directive or unless otherwise specified. Licensing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 PB PB PB PB PB PB PB PB 132 Annual Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PB 22198 (01-18-07) Human Resources Safety Awareness Reminder: Close Calls Are Wake-up Calls! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goodbye to PS Form 1510...It’s History Postal Inspection Service Replaces 1510 With Online and Phone Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2007 U.S. Postal Service National Awards Program for Diversity Achievement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . International Business Global Express Guaranteed Service, POS ONE Offices Become GXG Retail Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Postal Service Locations (by ZIP Code) That Sell/ Service GXG — Effective May 14, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 125 125 127 7690-09-000-9350 7690-08-000-4079 7690-08-000-4078 7690-08-000-4077 7690-08-000-4076 7690-08-000-4075 7690-08-000-4074 7690-08-000-4073 PB PB PB PB PB PB PB PB 22191: 22190: 22189: 22188: 22187: 22186: 22185: 22184: 7690-08-000-4072 7690-08-000-4071 7690-08-000-4070 7690-08-000-4069 7690-08-000-4068 7690-08-000-4067 7690-08-000-4066 7690-08-000-4065 PB PB PB PB PB PB PB PB 22183: 22182: 22181: 22180: 22179: 22178: 22177: 22176: 7690-08-000-4064 7690-08-000-4063 7690-08-000-4062 7690-08-000-4061 7690-08-000-4060 7690-08-000-4059 7690-08-000-4058 7690-08-000-4057 USPSNEWS@WORK POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) 3 USPSNEWS@WORK Register or Relinquish, IT wants you to register your mobile device by May 18 All postal cellular users, regardless of your device type — cellular phone, cellular broadband or BlackBerry — must register your Postal Service-funded cellular service by close of business May 18. Any cellular service not registered at that time will be suspended. Mobile devices can be registered three ways: You can go directly to http://HQCELLREG.usps.gov. Or, you can reach the registration site from Blue or LiteBlue. Go to either site under “Hot Topics” and click on Important! Register Mobile Device Here! The Web address for the Postal Service Intranet is http:// blue.usps.gov, and the address for LiteBlue is https:// liteblue.usps.gov. Remember, your employee ID and password are required to access LiteBlue. The eight-digit ID number is located at the top of your pay stub, and the password is your PostalEASE password. This Information Technology initiative is aimed at reducing the cost of cellular services. (See Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Robert Otto’s letter, on page 75.) Your action will save the Postal Service a substantial amount of money and lead to an increase in service levels, functionality and improved devices. The History Channel uses USPS stamps for new series It seems only fitting that a pane of stamps that made history when released is helping The History Channel take viewers on a tour of the United States. Running through June 23, The History Channel is airing a 10-part, weekly series — The States — that chronicles the unique histories of each of the 50 states. Each state profile is introduced using one of the Greetings from America stamps, a pane of 50 stamps celebrating each of the 50 states. Viewers tuning into The History Channel find engaging stories and surprising facts and figures from five American states each week. Online teens still 2 SMRT 4U: Postal Inspection Service extends Internet safety campaign 2 SMRT 4U, an Internet safety campaign for teens, continues to exceed expectations and will be extended through Fiscal Year 2007. Launched last November, the partnership between the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children now has reached more than 80 countries. Teens have ordered nearly 300,000 of the 2 SMRT 4U stainless-steel rings, and surveys tally excellent campaign feedback. Best of all, 68 percent of teen girls reported changing their online behavior as a result of the campaign. Teens visiting the www.2smrt4u.com Web site get online safety tips from Hayden Panettiere, star of NBC’s Heroes, and can report inappropriate conduct on the Internet. The Postal Inspection Service has investigated obscenity offenses since the 1800s, but has focused particular attention on child exploitation since the passage of the Sexual Exploitation of Children Act of 1977. Today, nearly all such cases involve the Internet, as well as the U.S. Mail. Oklahoma District’s Maintenance Chief wins award Lew Flowers, manager of Vehicle Maintenance for the Oklahoma District, has received the Technology and Maintenance Career Leadership Award. The award is given each year by the Commerce Carrier Journal, a trade publication for the commercial trucking industry. Cover story — Oklahoma District Manager of Vehicle Maintenance Lew Flowers wins leadership award. Flowers is responsible for the Oklahoma District’s 2,100 vehicles, 51 employees and a $5 million budget. He is a member of the Society of Automotive engineers and the Oklahoma Trucking Association. Flowers is also a member of the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC), where he has served on and chaired numerous study groups and was the organization’s general chairman. In 1997, he earned the Silver Spark Plug — TMC’s highest honor. 4 USPSNEWS@WORK POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) RMS Titanic mail room keys fetch record proceeds in U.K. auction The keys and chain to the mail room on board the RMS Titanic are now in the hands of a private collector who paid more than $200,000 for them during an auction in the U.K. The design change — the first since 1995 — has a fresher, crisper look. The Postal Service logo is prominent alongside international symbols for use by foreign posts. The new design has ample space for required forms, labels and Intelligent Mail barcodes. Post Offices across the country should receive the new packaging this month. All packaging will be available online at www.usps.com May 14. The keys and chain to the mail room on The sale — a record board the Titanic. Photo: courtesy of for Titanic memorabilia — U.S. Postal Museum. recalls the bravery of five postal clerks. Three of the clerks were from the U.S. Post Office and two from the Royal Mail. The ship’s postmaster was Oscar Scott Woody, a 15-year postal veteran and a railroad mail clerk before he began his service aboard the Titanic. The keys were recovered from Woody’s body and given to his widow. “The Postmaster and his staff were the crème de la crème,” Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge told The Times of London. “To serve on a transatlantic steamer, you had to be in the top 1 percent of your profession because you had to sort through hundreds of letters per hour.” New look for Priority Mail, Express Mail starts May 14 Focusing on convenience, the Postal Service has redesigned all Priority Mail and Express Mail packages and envelopes, including the popular Flat Rate boxes and envelopes. Beginning May 14, mailers can use the same Priority Mail and Express Mail packaging whether they are shipping in the United States or to another country. Driving E85: Northland District leads in alternative fuel use With its expanding use of E85 fuel — a special mix of 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent ethanol — the Northland District has emerged as a Postal Service leader in the use of alternative energy supplies. The district has increased its use of E85 fuel by 65 percent in the last three years. In 2006, postal vehicles in the Land of 10,000 Lakes used more than 273,000 gallons of E85 fuel. Today, more than 90 percent of the district’s E85 fleet vehicles use the energy-saving fuel. Also, the Minnesota America Lung Association presented the Northland District with its Extra Mile Award for the unit’s “dedication to the advancement of E85.” USPS National Emergency Hotline Is your facility operating? Call 888-363-7462 SPRING INTO SUMMER PUBLICITY KIT POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) Spring Into Summer Publicity Kit District Managers, Customer Service and Sales, Postmasters SUBJECT: Spring Into Summer Publicity Kit Spring and summer are seasons of celebrations. In the coming months, our customers will be marking many special occasions — Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, high school and college graduations, weddings — and summer vacations. As we move from spring into summer, it’s an ideal time to promote our products and services. This field publicity kit includes standard press releases to generate “evergreen” stories that can be placed with local media in coming months. Topics include: NetPost CardStore Click-N-Ship® International mail products Hold Mail Service Express Mail® and Priority Mail® services Some of the press releases give a new mail twist on familiar themes, like “Graduation Tips 101” or “The Best Dressed Wedding Invitation,” and others highlight traditional postal products and services, like “Going Global this Spring” or “Going on Vacation? Get Your Mail Held With Just a Few Clicks.” An article in a local newspaper, prompted by one or more of these news releases, will let customers know we have products and services that make it easier and more convenient for them to stay in touch with family and friends and make celebrations and special occasions more memorable. Employee service talks are also included in this kit. We all know USPS® offers great products and services at great value. Employees help us deliver that message to our customers — and that helps us increase revenue. Joanne B. Giordano Vice President Public Affairs and Communications cc: Vice Presidents, Area Operations 5 6 SPRING INTO SUMMER PUBLICITY KIT POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Insert Date] Contact: [Insert Your Name] [Insert Your Phone Number] Cards and Gifts for Mom and Dad Are Only a Click Away [Insert City, State] — With Mother's Day approaching on May 13 and Father’s Day on June 17, now is the time to take advantage of the Postal Service's quick, easy and convenient online services that can save you not only a trip to the Post Office but a trip to the store. From the comfort of your home, use your personal computer to design your very own special greeting cards that let your parents know what they mean to you. Go to www.usps.com and select the “NetPost CardStore” option. With just a few clicks you can upload a personal photo or select online graphics and add a personal message to create the perfect sentiment. With a few more clicks you can add a popular gift card from a variety of nationally recognized retailers, in denominations from $25 to $200, and pay for it all using a credit or debit card. Within days, a beautiful card will be delivered right to your loved one’s mailbox. You can even use NetPost CardStore for mailing to people living outside the United States. Just add a “country field” to the address list before submitting. Sign up as a NetPost mailing online customer at www.usps.com/netpost or contact customer care at 866-665-2787. Still wondering what gift to send? Shop online at The Postal Store. Go to www.usps.com. This time, click on Buy Stamps and Shop. You’ll find a variety of gifts to suit everyone’s taste and personality, including a wide selection of stuffed animals, framed stamp art, books, games, DVDs, CDs, NASCAR jackets and toys. If your loved one’s interest or hobby is featured on U.S. postage stamps, then a book or framed sheets of those stamps might be a good and practical choice. For mothers, fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers who live in Latin America, DineroSeguro (“Sure Money”) is a fast and secure way to send a money gift through the mail. For information about this service call toll free 888-368-4669. Click-N-Ship Maybe you’ve already bought Mom or Dad a gift and just need to mail it. No trip to the Post Office will be necessary if you use Click-N-Ship, also at www.usps.com. You’ll find instructions on how to pay for postage, print mailing labels, and purchase insurance or Signature Confirmation service, all using a credit or debit card. You can even make arrangements for your carrier to pick it up the next day at no extra charge through our Package Pickup service. A “special instructions” option lets the carrier know the package will be on a side porch or other location if the sender won't be there. Click-N-Ship is also available for mothers and fathers serving overseas and will automatically standardize available APO/FPO addresses. (more) SPRING INTO SUMMER PUBLICITY KIT POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) Express Mail and Priority Mail Services Additional options for mailing your gift are Express Mail overnight service and Priority Mail with 2- to 3-day delivery. Express Mail service offers guaranteed overnight delivery to most locations and no extra charge for Sunday delivery. Our new Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes make shipping more convenient then ever — no need to calculate rates, zones or weights. New this year for a limited period: Express Mail Flat Rate Envelopes that feature 30th anniversary Star Wars graphics. Three separate versions of the Star Wars graphics are printed directly on the envelopes and are available in three-packs only at www.usps.com/shop. 7 8 POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Insert Date] SPRING INTO SUMMER PUBLICITY KIT Contact: [Insert Your Name] [Insert Your Phone Number] Keep in Touch With Moms and Dads Serving Overseas Postmaster [Insert First and Last Name] says nothing brightens the day more than mail from friends and loved ones. Follow these guidelines so your letters and packages are intact when they reach moms and dads serving around the world. Use the service member’s full name. Include the unit and APO/FPO (Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office) address with the nine-digit ZIP Code. Include a return address and customs declaration form (available online). For packages, print on one side only with the recipient’s address in the lower right portion. Or print a postage-paid label online with Click-N-Ship, which will automatically standardize your APO/FPO address. When sending packages, select a strong box with room for cushioning. If you use a recycled box, cover all previous labels and markings with a heavy black marker or adhesive labels. Cushion contents with Styrofoam or bubble wrap to keep items from shifting. Doublebox fragile items with cushioning inside and between the boxes to absorb shock. Remove and wrap batteries separately. Put a card inside the package listing the sender’s and recipient’s addresses with a description of the contents. Tape the opening of the box and reinforce all seams with 2-inch-wide tape. Use clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape or paper tape. Do not use cord, string or twine. Make sure you’re aware of mailing restrictions. Every country has customs regulations regarding incoming mail. Generally, the following are prohibited in the region of Operation Iraqi Freedom: obscene articles, any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith, and pork or pork by-products. For specific restrictions and mailing rates to an APO/FPO address, call 800-ASKUSPS, consult your local Post Office, or phone the Military Postal Service Agency at 800-810-6098. Go to www.usps.com/supportingourtroops for more tips on how to keep in touch with the men and women serving overseas. SPRING INTO SUMMER PUBLICITY KIT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Insert Date] POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) 9 Contact: [Insert Your Name] [Insert Your PHone Number] Go Global This Spring — Tips From USPS That Make It Easy Postmaster [Insert First and Last Name Here] says the U.S. Postal Service is making it easier to go global with international mail. And that’s true whether you’re doing business overseas or need to reach relatives and friends outside the United States and its territories. International mail products have had a name change. The new names, Global Express Guaranteed, Express Mail International, Priority Mail International and First-Class Mail International, have been chosen to mirror their domestic counterparts Priority Mail and Express Mail. Forget about what packaging to choose — now you can use the same packaging for domestic and international shipping. It gets even better. Skip the trip to the Post Office and reach USPS international mail products online at www.usps.com. You’ll find you can obtain postage discounts and popular flat-rate shipping options using Click-N-Ship. Use Click-N-Ship to send packages to service members overseas. When available, Click-N-Ship databases will automatically standardize APO/FPO addresses. For more information on sending letters and packages to military members, go to www.usps.com/supportingourtroops. Send a gift of money to friends or family in participating countries using Sure Money (DineroSeguro): Argentina, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Peru. It takes just 15 minutes. For more information, call toll free: 888-368-4669. Apply for a new passport, or renew an expired one, at thousands of Post Offices. To find the location of a participating Post Office closest to you, log on to www.usps.com and click on Locate a Post Office. Under Options, select Passport Application Services. Due to unprecedented demand, the State Department recommends travelers allow 10 weeks for their passport applications to be processed, with expedited processing available at an extra charge for service in 4 weeks or less. 10 POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Insert Date] SPRING INTO SUMMER PUBLICITY KIT Contact: [Insert Your Name] [Insert Your Phone Number] Going on Vacation? Get Your Mail Held With Just a Few Clicks! [Insert City, State] — Spring is here and summer is close behind. Soon it will be time to pack the car or hop on a plane to the beach or mountains, to an exotic destination or to visit relatives. But remember, your mail doesn’t take a vacation. To make your departure as smooth and stress-free as possible, the U.S. Postal Service offers an easy solution for holding your mail while you’re away. “Arranging to have your mail held while you’re away has never been easier,” says Postmaster [Insert First and Last Name]. “Now, thanks to Hold Mail Service from the Postal Service, you can go online and arrange to have your mail held from three to 30 days. Just go to www.usps.com and search for Hold Mail Service. There’s no charge for a vacation hold and the site is secure for your protection.” It takes only a few easy steps: Log on to the Postal Service's Web site, www.usps.com, available around-the-clock for customer convenience. Search for “Hold Mail Service.” Enter your ZIP Code at the prompt, then enter your address information and the dates the mail should be held. Make sure to record the confirmation number you’re given at the end of the process in case you need to modify the request if you come back early or if you decide to stay on your vacation a little longer. The online service will electronically notify your local Post Office, which will hold all your mail for the time specified. Delivery resumes on your requested date. Planning to be gone a while? You may prefer to have your mail travel with you. That’s easy, too, with Premium Forwarding Service. Now you won't have to ask neighbors or loved ones to pick up your mail and take care of the bills. If you are planning to be away from home for more than two weeks and up to a year, for a fee you can have all your mail forwarded by Priority Mail to your temporary address. Your mail will be intercepted at the Post Office and sent to your temporary address each week. For more information on Premium Forwarding Service, stop by your local Post Office or check the link on www.usps.com. SPRING INTO SUMMER PUBLICITY KIT POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Insert Date] 11 Contact: [Insert Your Name] [Insert Your Phone Number] Graduation Mailing Tips 101 Does it feel like only yesterday when your son or daughter walked or maybe ran off to the first day of school? Graduation time is here and it’s time to plan. Whether you are throwing a party or sending your child off to college, here are some helpful reminders from the U.S. Postal Service. Invite guests to the graduation party using personalized postcards that you create and mail online. As a special touch, these can be made using an old or new photograph of your favorite grad. Here’s how it’s done: go to www.usps.com and click on NetPost CardStore. Download your favorite photo, create a greeting or select one of the many prewritten greetings or online graphics options. Click to add a gift card from a wide choice of popular national retailers at denominations from $25 to $200. Put in your mailing list and select a stamp. Within days, a high-quality card will be delivered to your family and friends. Payment is easy with a debit or credit card. Remember to mail party invitations at least 10 to 14 days in advance. A well-dressed envelope is important: Did you know mail is sorted on high-speed automated equipment as fast as 35,000 pieces an hour? The machines “read” the addresses, so it’s important to print or write clearly. If there is an apartment number, be sure to include it on the same line as the street address. The last line in the address should include the city, the two-letter abbreviation for the state and the ZIP Code. It’s also convenient and fun to thank family members and friends for graduation gifts using a photo postcard of the graduate in cap and gown. Go to www.usps.com, click on NetPost CardStore, and follow the instructions above. Need gift ideas for the new graduate? At the same Postal Service Web site — www.usps.com — you’ll find great gift ideas such as plush bears, T-shirts, stationery and ever-popular gift cards from leading national retailers. If you’re still rushing to meet deadlines for college applications, send them overnight using Express Mail. Use Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes to send “care” packages to your college-bound graduate. Fit as many items as you want in the specially marked box and pay one flat fee regardless of weight, as long as it’s less than 70 pounds. And when your college student forgets something or has an unusual request, you’ll find Priority Mail boxes come in many different sizes and shapes to meet your needs. Get them at your local Post Office. Whatever you’re mailing or shipping, Click-N-Ship at www.usps.com can save you a trip to the Post Office. It’s where you can meet all of your mailing needs, including shipping labels and postage. You can also request Package Pickup and your carrier will pick up the package from your home or business at no extra charge the following day. 12 POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) SPRING INTO SUMMER PUBLICITY KIT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Insert Date] Contact: [Insert Your Name] [Insert Your Phone Number] Graduation Cards and Gifts — Just a Click Away at usps.com [Insert City, State] – “Sending graduation cards and gifts to out-of-town family members and loved ones has never been easier, thanks to the Postal Service's popular online services NetPost and Click-N-Ship,” says [Insert City] Postmaster [Insert First and Last Name]. Both services are available at www.usps.com. With NetPost CardStore, users can create and mail graduation greeting cards from the convenience of their home or office. These can be personalized with special messages and their choice of graphics, including their own photographs or artwork. You can even add a gift card, choosing from a wide choice of popular national retailers. Postmaster [Insert Last Name] says using NetPost CardStore is easy. All it requires are a few simple steps: Log on to the Postal Service's Web site, www.usps.com, at any time of day or night. Register with NetPost and go to NetPost CardStore. Create a card by selecting one of thousands of professionally designed images, or scan in your own photograph or artwork. Personalize cards online by adding a special message. Click to add a gift card at denominations from $25 to $200. “The Postal Service will print the cards, address the envelopes, include the gift card, add a stamp and mail and deliver them,” says [Insert Last Name]. “If timing is important, use Priority Mail or Express Mail service,” [Insert “he” or “she”] adds. Along with honoring the new graduate, [Insert Last Name] recommends using NetPost to customize postcards that can be used as invitations to graduation parties or as thankyou notes. For the same price as a First-Class Mail stamp, you can get the printing and mailing done for you. It’s fast, easy and convenient at www.usps.com/netpost. With Click-N-Ship service at www.usps.com, customers can create shipping labels and pay for postage. And with just a few more clicks, they can request that letter carriers pick up their prepaid shipments with the next-day mail delivery — all at no extra charge. SPRING INTO SUMMER PUBLICITY KIT POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Insert Date] 13 Contact: [Insert Your Name] [Insert Your Phone Number] Need Something to Smile About? At the Postal Service, we’re ready to spring into summer with new attractions and familiar favorite products and services at www.usps.com and in U.S. Post Offices: Star Wars Express Mail prepaid envelopes are a fun and convenient way to send your urgent mail zooming across the universe. For a limited time only, three-packs featuring special 30th anniversary Star Wars graphics of Darth Vadar, Luke Skywalker and Yoda can be ordered at www.uspsjedimaster.com. Each prepaid envelope can be used to mail as much as fits inside for a flat fee of $16.25 apiece ($48.75 for the threepack), with overnight service guaranteed to most locations. For the new bride — a price decrease. Postage to mail 2-ounce wedding invitations has been lowered from 63 cents to 58 cents. Planning the perfect wedding? Our new Wedding stamp features vines that form the shape of a heart and was specially designed for mailing wedding invitations and RSVPs. Available June 27, it comes in both 2-ounce rate (58 cents) and 1-ounce rate (41 cents) denominations. The Forever Stamp. The latest consumer innovation from the Postal Service is a stamp that will remain good for mailing 1-ounce First-Class Mail letters, now and in the future — regardless of price changes. Celebrating is easy. No special trip to the store. No envelopes to lick. No postage to buy. Not even a trip to the Post Office or mailbox. Instead, you can keep in contact with loved ones, friends and family members and even customers with customized greeting cards, gift cards, postcards and letters created online at NetPost Print and Mail Services. You can personalize these with your own message for every occasion from spring to summer: graduations, bridal showers, weddings, anniversaries, thankyou notes and summer sales. Go to http://www.usps.com/netpost and click on Stay in Touch With Family and Friends. Click-N-Ship. Skip the trip to the Post Office and have your graduation and wedding gifts, and your Father’s Day and Mother’s Day packages, picked up from your home when your carrier delivers your mail. Just go to www.usps.com, click on Shipping Tools, then click on Click-N-Ship. With a computer, a printer and Internet connection, you can print shipping labels with or without postage. Use Carrier Pickup online notification to get free next-day pickup of Priority Mail and Express Mail. 14 POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Insert Date] SPRING INTO SUMMER PUBLICITY KIT Contact: [Insert Your Name] [Insert Your Phone Number] The Best Dressed Wedding Invitation: Top 10 Red Carpet Mailing Tips The wedding season officially kicks off the weekend after Memorial Day and there is good news for couples-to-be and wedding planners. The cost of postage for a 2-ounce wedding invitation has been reduced from 63 cents to 58 cents. Postmaster [Insert First and Last Name] gives some tips and pointers for making sure that your wedding invitations — and associated save-the-date cards, response cards, wedding announcements and thank-you notes — get there on time and are all that you hoped for and more. “Accessorize” your correspondence by using the new Love stamps, available June 27. Featuring vines that form the shape of a heart, these stamps were designed especially for mailing wedding invitations and RSVPs and are available in both the 2-ounce (58 cents) and the 1-ounce (41 cents) First-Class Mail postage rate denominations. Stamps are an inexpensive way to add color to an invitation and you can also use them to decorate an envelope, even on the flap (where they do not count toward required postage). Star Wars stamps issued this month may be a fun way to speed your response cards back to you. Mail your invitations four to six weeks before the wedding and make sure the return address is complete and legible. Whether you dress your wedding invitation in a traditional style or use more flamboyant papers and embellished envelopes, take care with the most important accessory — the address. Provide a complete address, including apartment number, on each envelope. Confirm ZIP Codes easily at www.usps.com by clicking on Find a ZIP Code on the navigation bar. Go to the Postal Service Web site, www.usps.com, to order stamps, view and purchase related postal products, look up ZIP Codes instantly, learn about mailing options and calculate postage. Affix your stamps securely, but do not put tape over the stamp(s) — this invalidates the postage. If your envelope is textured, or contains decorative fibers or floral inclusions, you may want to secure the postage using a glue stick. Or, prepare your invitations online and mail them through the Postal Service’s NetPost Print and Mail Services — you’ll save time and money. SPRING INTO SUMMER PUBLICITY KIT POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) For save-the-date cards and thank-you notes, create customized postcards at www.usps.com/netpost. Postage is included in the price, and discounts are available with every mailing. The hottest trend is to use your own artwork or photograph on your thank-you notes. Stand out in the crowd — customize your postage with pictures from your wedding. For more information go to Print Postage Online at www.usps.com. Tell family and friends who can’t make the big day about NetPost Gift Card. From the convenience of their home they can use their computer to send greetings and a gift card from a wide choice of popular national retailers at denominations from $25 to $200. 15 16 POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Insert Date] SPRING INTO SUMMER PUBLICITY KIT Contact: [Insert Your Name] [Insert Your Phone Number] Star Wars Stamps Are the New Galactic Rage [Insert City, State] — Newly entering the galaxy are 15 Star Wars stamps destined to make greeting cards, letters and packages as unforgettable as the characters and intergalactic vehicles they feature. “I’m sure Star Wars fans will love to see one or more of the new Star Wars postage stamps on their graduation, Father’s Day, birthday and even wedding cards,” says [Insert City] Postmaster [Insert First and Last Name], “so we’ve stocked up our vaults and are ready to meet the demand.” “Because of the popularity of the movies, many believe these stamps will reach the blockbuster status of the Elvis stamp,” says the [Insert City, State Abbreviation] Postmaster. “A sheet of the stamps — framed or otherwise — could make the perfect gift for young and old Jedi Masters.” The new Star Wars sheet of stamps — on sale May 25 — feature Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo with Chewbacca, Princess Leia Organa with R2-D2, C-3PO, Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Emperor Palpatine, stormtroopers, Boba Fett, the Millennium Falcon, an X-wing starfighter, Queen Padmé Amidala, Obi-Wan Kenobi with Anakin Skywalker, and Darth Maul. Of the 15 stamp images, the Postal Service is inviting the public to vote on its favorite. To place your vote, go online at www.uspsjedimaster.com now through May 23. The winning stamp will be announced May 25 and honored with the issuance of a single stamp, which will be for sale later this summer. The stamp sheet selvage includes the Star Wars logo and background images of a space battle, including a Star Destroyer, TIE fighters, X-wing starfighters and the second Death Star as shown under construction in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi. The background also includes the light saber-wielding form of Darth Vader, whose helmet comprises the largest of the 15 stamps. The back of the souvenir sheet describes the dramatic roles that each featured character or vehicle plays in the Star Wars saga. “It gets better — from now until Sept. 1, 2007, new prepaid Express Mail Flat Rate envelopes feature 30th anniversary Star Wars graphics — so even your urgent documents can speed across the planet,” adds [Insert Last Name]. SPRING INTO SUMMER PUBLICITY KIT Spring Into Summer — Hold Mail and Premium Forwarding Services Employee Service Talk Spring is here and summer is close behind. Now is the time to remind your customers, if they are planning a trip or vacation, the Postal Service can hold their mail and keep it from piling up. Nothing says “no one is home” like a mailbox overflowing with letters and magazines. Tell your customers to take advantage of the Postal Service's quick, easy and convenient www.usps.com online services that save them a trip to the Post Office. With just a few clicks, customers can arrange to have their mail held from three to 30 days. Go to www.usps.com and search for “Hold Mail Service.” First, enter the ZIP Code at the prompt. Then, enter address information and the dates the mail should be held. At the end of the process a confirmation number is given in case the dates need to be modified or the customer decides to extend the vacation. The online service electronically notifies the Post Office with a request to hold all the mail for the time specified. Delivery resumes on the requested date. Arranging to have mail held has never been easier, thanks to Hold Mail Service from the Postal Service. Are your customers planning on being gone a while? They may prefer to take advantage of Premium Forwarding service. This service is great for those snowbirds who need their mail while they are away. For a small fee, Premium Forwarding with the Postal Service will use Priority Mail to box and reship mail once a week for periods of at least two weeks and up to one year. Your customers can stop by their local Post Offices for more information, or go to www.usps.com. POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) card from any one of a number of nationally recognized retailers available in denominations from $25 to $200. Payment can be made using your credit or debit card. The same online service, NetPost CardStore, can be used to make Mother’s and Father’s Day extra special for your loved ones. In just a few days, a beautiful card — with or without a gift card enclosed — will be delivered right to the recipient’s mailbox. Make sure it gets there on time this year! In fact, the services at NetPost CardStore are a great way to commemorate almost any special occasion or event — with personalized photographs, customized messages and special designs and graphics. You can invite guests to the graduation party, customize your wedding arrangements or thank family and friends for those graduation, wedding or birthday gifts. They’ll be thrilled to receive a photo postcard of the graduate in cap and gown, a wedding party or the new baby. Here’s how to do it: Go to www.usps.com and click on NetPost CardStore. Download your favorite photos or artwork to create a greeting or select one of the many designs and greetings offered there. Enclose a gift card with a few more clicks. Select your favorite stamp as yet another personal touch. Within days, a high-quality card will be delivered to the homes of your family and friends. Payment is easy with a debit or credit card. Here are a few pointers: Cards can be ordered online today and mailed the next available business day, or you can plan ahead and have your cards printed and mailed on any day that you specify. You can also have your cards printed, prepared and shipped back to you using Priority Mail or Express Mail service. Remember to mail party invitations 10-14 days in advance. You can even use NetPost CardStore for mailing to family living outside the United States. Just add a “country field” to the address list before submitting the final mail piece, and complete the address data fields. Spring Into Summer — NetPost CardStore Employee Service Talk Spring is here and summer is close behind. This time of year brings many celebrations of family and personal accomplishments, so remind your customers — friends and family of new graduates, couples planning summer weddings, and sons and daughters honoring Moms and Dads on their special days — of our popular online services. In fact, sending cards and gifts to friends and family members has never been easier than with the NetPost CardStore at www.usps.com. From the comfort of your home, use your personal computer to custom design your very own greeting cards. The message can be personalized, and with a few clicks you can either upload a personal photo or select among the many graphics and sentiments offered. A few more clicks and you’ve enclosed one of the best gifts of all time — a gift 17 Be sure to tell your customers, family and friends that “A Card and Gift is Only a Click Away” at www.usps.com/ netpost. And remember, NetPost CardStore offers Postal Service employees a substantial discount on greeting cards. When you get to the “checkout” area, type in the word “employee,” then click on the recalculate tab. 18 POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) Spring Into Summer: usps.com Employee Service Talk Spring is here and summer is close behind. Now is the time to remind your customers of all usps.com has to offer those looking for Mother’s and Father’s Day greetings, graduation acknowledgements, wedding planning and more. For starters, usps.com offers customers the timesaving advantage of being able to purchase and send cards and gifts right from their computer. This season of celebration is an ideal time to take advantage of the Postal Service's quick, easy and convenient online services that save them a trip to the store and to the Post Office. The Postal Store at www.usps.com offers gift items for sale: stuffed animals, framed stamp art, books, games, DVDs, CDs, NASCAR jackets and tote bags. A supply of postage stamps always makes a useful gift and framed stamps are like works of art, particularly when they relate to someone’s interest or hobby. The new Star Wars stamps are sure to brighten the graduate or Dad’s special day. There are also many other stamp designs to choose from. Already bought a gift and just need to mail it? Click-NShip service on www.usps.com makes it easy. All you need is a credit or debit card to pay for postage, print mailing labels and purchase insurance or Signature Confirmation service. You can even make arrangements for your carrier to pick it up the next day at no extra charge through our Carrier Pickup service. A “special instructions” option lets the carrier know the package will be on a side porch or other location if the sender won't be there. No trip to the Post Office is necessary. SPRING INTO SUMMER PUBLICITY KIT For mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers or graduates who live in Latin America, DineroSeguro (“SureMoney”) is a great way to send a gift of money. Another option is Priority Mail, with 2- to 3-day delivery. And new Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes make shipping more convenient then ever — no need to calculate rates, zones or weights. New this year for a limited period: Express Mail Flat Rate envelopes that feature 30th-anniversary Star Wars graphics. Three separate versions of the Star Wars graphics are printed directly on the envelopes and are available only in a three-pack at www.usps.com/shop. Express Mail service offers guaranteed overnight delivery to most locations. There's no extra charge for Sunday delivery. Make your loved ones happy — and your shopping, mailing and shipping quick, easy and convenient — using usps.com. — Public Affairs and Communications, 5-10-07 MAILBOX IMPROVEMENT WEEK, MAY 21–27 POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) 19 Mailbox Improvement Week, May 21–27 Each year, the Postal Service™ designates the third full week of May as Mailbox Improvement Week to encourage customers on city motorized, rural, or contract delivery service routes (formerly highway contract box delivery routes) to examine and, where necessary, improve the appearance of their mailboxes. Neat, attractive mailboxes make a significant contribution to the appearance of the countryside and streets in suburban areas. Mailbox Improvement Week, May 21-27, calls attention to the need for providing mailboxes that are: Send a completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, by e-mail to MDC Customer Service. Fax a supply requisition order to 651-406-5583. Mail a completed PS Form 7380 to: SUPPLY REQUISITIONS 500 SW GARY ORMSBY DR TOPEKA KS 66624-9702 Ordering Information 1. Approved by the Postmaster General. Use the following information to order Notice 209: 2. Designed to protect the mail from weather. PSN: PSIN: Unit of Issue: Quick Pick #: Bulk Pack Quantity: Price: 3. Safe to use. 4. Conveniently located. 5. Neat in appearance. Additional information is available on the Delivery and Retail Web site at (http://blue.usps.gov/delret/ L4CityDelvry_GROWTH.htm.) Mailboxes that meet these five important requirements help delivery and collection operations and improve service to the entire route. There are three approved styles of curbside mailboxes: 1. Traditional design (see Exhibit A). 2. Contemporary design (see Exhibit B). 3. Locked, Full, or Limited service. USPS-STD-7B governs the design and specifications of curbside mailboxes and includes provisions for improved quality of the product. Notice 209 Postmasters should send Notice 209, Mailbox Improvement Week, to all rural and highway contract box delivery route customers the week before Mailbox Improvement Week to alert them of the event. You can order Notice 209 from the Material Distribution Center (MDC) through one of the following methods. Use Touch Tone Order Entry. Call 800-273-1509. Note: You must be registered to use TTOE. To register, call 800-332-0317, option 1, extension 2925, and follow the prompts to leave a message. (Wait 48 hours after registering before placing your first order). For complete TTOE ordering instructions, you can visit the Materials Customer Service Web site at: http://blue.usps.gov/purchase/_doc/ ops_ttoeins.doc or call National Materials Customer Service at 800-332-0317, option 4. 7610-03-000-9145 NOT209 EA 496 N/A $.0242 City Motorized, Rural, and Contract Delivery Service Routes Customers must use only approved traditional, contemporary, or locked full/limited service curbside mailboxes for new installations or replacements. When new delivery is established or extended, Postmasters must ensure that customers use delivery equipment that is approved by the postmaster general. However, a customer may use a custom-built curbside mailbox if the local postmaster gives prior approval and the mailbox conforms generally to the same requirements as approved manufactured curbside mailboxes relative to the flag, size, strength, and quality of construction. Carriers on motorized city routes may continue to serve mailboxes that are designed primarily for use by customers receiving door delivery and that have been erected and served under previous regulations (see Exhibit C on the following page). However, carriers should advise customers that they may use only approved curbside mailboxes when replacing these types of mailboxes. A list of approved manufacturers of traditional curbside mailboxes appears on pages 21–25. For motorized city routes, and where the use of street names and house numbers is authorized on rural and contract delivery service routes, the mailbox must display the number on the side of single mailboxes or on the door of grouped mailboxes. If the mailbox is on a street other than the one on which the customer resides, the street name and house number must be on the mailbox. When rural and contract delivery service route customers box delivery route customers have assigned box numbers, the numbers 20 POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) must appear on the side of single mailboxes or on the doors of grouped mailboxes, visible to the approaching carrier. The street number, box number, and any other address information must be inscribed in contrasting color in neat letters and numerals not less than 1 inch in height. In all instances, placing the owner’s name on the box is optional. MAILBOX IMPROVEMENT WEEK, MAY 21–27 Motorized city, rural, and contract delivery service route customers should be encouraged but not required to group mailboxes whenever practical, especially where many mailboxes are located at or near crossroads, service turnouts, or similar locations. Customers should also paint mailboxes and supports/posts and keep them rust-free. Advertising on mailboxes and mailbox supports is prohibited. In areas where snow removal is a problem, the Postal Service suggests using a semi-arch or extended arm-type support (see Exhibit D), which allows snowplows to sweep near or under mailboxes without damaging supports and provides easy access to the mailboxes by carriers and customers. Exhibit D Generally, mailboxes should be installed at a height of 41-45 inches from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox or point of mail entry. Mailboxes are set back 6–8 inches from the front face of the curb or road edge to the mailbox door. However, because of varying road and curb conditions and other factors, the Postal Service recommends that customers contact their local Post Office before erecting or replacing mailboxes and supports. Location Customers must place mailboxes on motorized city, rural, and contract delivery service routes so a carrier can safely and conveniently serve them without leaving his or her vehicle. The mailboxes must be on the right-hand side of the road in the carrier’s travel direction in all cases where traffic conditions make it dangerous for the carrier to drive to the left to reach the mailboxes, or where doing so would constitute a violation of traffic laws and regulations. Postal Operations Manual (POM) 632.6 specifies postal regulations regarding locations for apartment houses and other multiple unit dwellings. On new rural and contract delivery service routes, all mailboxes must be on the right-hand side of the road in the direction of the route line of travel. MAILBOX IMPROVEMENT WEEK, MAY 21–27 Mailbox placement must conform with state laws and highway regulations. City motorized, rural, and highway contract box delivery route carriers are subject to the same traffic laws and regulations as other motorists. Customers must remove obstructions, including vehicles, trash cans, and snow, that impede safe and efficient delivery. Except when a mailbox is temporarily blocked, carriers must have access to the mailbox without leaving the vehicle unless authorized to dismount. Mailbox Supports The Postal Service does not regulate mailbox supports in any way except for purposes of carrier safety and delivery efficiency. Posts and other supports for curbside mailboxes are owned and controlled by customers, who are responsible for ensuring that posts are neat and adequate in strength and size. Heavy metal posts, concrete posts, and miscellaneous items of farm equipment, such as milk cans filled with concrete, are examples of potentially dangerous supports. The ideal support is an assembly that bends or falls away when struck by a vehicle. Post or support designs may not represent effigies or caricatures that disparage or ridicule any person. Customers may attach the box to a fixed or movable arm. POM 632.5 specifies postal regulations regarding construction and placement of mailboxes and supports on motorized city, rural, and contract delivery service routes. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has determined that wooden mailbox supports no larger than 4 inches by 4 inches, or a 2-inch diameter standard steel or aluminum pipe, buried no more than 24 inches, should safely break away if struck by a vehicle. According to FHWA, the mailbox must also be securely attached to its post to prevent separation if struck. See Exhibits E (page 22) and F (page 23) for examples of mailbox mountings and supports suggested by the FHWA. Curbside Mailboxes Approved By the Postmaster General USPS-STD-7B (Supersedes all previously published lists of approved manufacturers) ADDRESS ART PO BOX 90018 INDIANAPOLIS IN 46290-0018 www.addressart.com APPLICABLES 1 (ACCESSORY) APPLICABLES 2 (ACCESSORY) APPLICABLES 3 (ACCESSORY) APPLICABLES/ PURDUE (ACCESSORY) APPLICABLES/ IU (ACCESSORY) APPLICABLES/ US FLAG (ACCESSORY) POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) ALPHA PRODUCTS 5570 WEST 70TH PLACE CHICAGO IL 60638-5326 www.alphaproductsinc.com MV1215 (LOCKING) AMERICAN POSTAL MANUFACTURING 500 W OKLAHOMA AVE MILWAUKEE WI 53207-2649 www.mailproducts.com 1812 (CONTEMPORARY) ARCHITECTURAL MAILBOXES 20741 MANHATTAN PLACE TORRENCE CA 90501-1829 www.architecturalmailboxes.com OASIS, 5100 (LOCKING) CORONADO, 5500 (CONTEMPORARY) FAIRVIEW 6200 - (LOCKING) FAIRVIEW 7500 - (CONTEMPORARY) ARMADILLO ENCLOSURES PO BOX 462199 ESCONDIDO CA 92046-2199 www.armadillomailbox.com 1000F (TRADITIONAL) 1000R (LOCKING) AUTH-FLORENCE MANUFACTURING 5935 CORPORATE DR MANHATTAN KS 66503-9675 www.auth-florence.com MB2000 (LOCKING) BOBI COMPANY 32 HILLCREST AVE COLLINGSWOOD NJ 08108-1315 www.bobi.com BO37000A (LOCKING) BO39000A (LOCKING) BRANDON INDUSTRIES 1601 WILMETH RD MCKINNEY TX 75069-8250 www.brandonindustries.com M1 (CONTEMPORARY) M2 (CONTEMPORARY) M3 (CONTEMPORARY) M4 (CONTEMPORARY) M5 (CONTEMPORARY) DAVIS TOOL 215 SW WOOD ST HILLSBORO OR 97123-5627 www.lockingmailbox.com 1022-X (LOCKING) 1025-X (LOCKING) 1123-X (LOCKING) 1125-X (LOCKING) 21 22 Exhibit E POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) MAILBOX IMPROVEMENT WEEK, MAY 21–27 MAILBOX IMPROVEMENT WEEK, MAY 21–27 Exhibit F POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) 23 24 POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) DVAULT COMPANY INC 9457 S UNIVERSITY BLVD SUITE 280 LITTLETON CO 80126-4976 www.dvault.com DVCS0015 (LOCKING) DVU0050 (LOCKING) ENERGY TECHNOLOGY LABS 2351 TENAYA DR MODESTO CA 95354-3925 www.energytechlabs.com SECURE MAIL VAULT (LOCKING) EPOCH DESIGN 17617 NE 65 ST SUITE 2 REDMOND WA 98052-4979 MAILBOX IMPROVEMENT WEEK, MAY 21–27 MB-370 VENTURA (TRADITIONAL) MB-320 HAMILTON (TRADITIONAL) MB-801 IRONSIDES (TRADITIONAL) MB-384BC ALTA VISTA (TRADITIONAL) MB-386C MONTEREY (TRADITIONAL) MB-388B HILLCREST (TRADITIONAL) IMPERIAL MAILBOX SYSTEMS 3901 NORRIS LN MILLBROOK AL 36054-2433 www.imperialmailboxsystems.com 001-01 (CONTEMPORARY) 001-04 (CONTEMPORARY) 001-06 (CONTEMPORARY) 001-07 (CONTEMPORARY) 001-08 (CONTEMPORARY) 001-09 (CONTEMPORARY) 002-00 (CONTEMPORARY) www.epochbydesign.com MAIL BOSS-7104 (LOCKING) ESTES DESIGN & MANUFACTURING 470 S MITTHOEFFER RD INDIANAPOLIS IN 46229-3058 www.estesdesigns.com EPS2640437 (CONTEMPORARY) EPS2640319 (CONTEMPORARY) FLEXIBLE COMPOSITES CO 2629 MOUNT JORDAN RD SANDY UT 84092-3357 www.flexiblecomposites.com CMB-001 (TRADITIONAL) JAMESTOWN ADVANCED PRODUCTS INC 2855 GIRTS RD JAMESTOWN NY 14701-9666 www.jamestownadvanced.com 56 (TRADITIONAL) 49 (TRADITIONAL) 54 (TRADITIONAL) 23 (TRADITIONAL) JANZER 9 CHELTEN WAY TRENTON NJ 08638-5000 www.janzer.com STONEYBRAE (TRADITIONAL) FORT KNOX MAILBOX OF OREGON 1196 ORT LANE UNIT E MERLIN OR 97532-8802 KAPS 6357 MYRTLE GROVE RD WILMINGTION NC 28409-4526 www.fortknoxmailbox.com (910) 395-2254 LARGE STANDARD MAILBOX (LOCKING) THE FORTRESS (LOCKING) 1981 (SMALL MAILBOX TRAY ACCESSORY) 1982 (MEDIUM MAILBOX TRAY ACCESSORY) 1983 (LARGE MAILBOX TRAY ACCESSORY) FUORISERIE IMPORTS 61 PEARL ST SUITE 503 BROOKLYN NY 11201-8344 www.ecco-products.com ECCO 3 (TRADITIONAL) GAINES MANUFACTURING 12200 CIRKHAM RD POWAY CA 92064-6806 www.gainesmfg.com KEYSTONE (CONTEMPORARY) HOME IMPRESSIONS 420 THIRD AVE HICKORY NC 28601-4916 (800) 535-5480 MB-950BSN SEVILLE (TRADITIONAL) MB-550 GEORGIAN (TRADITIONAL) MB-158 TUSCANY (TRADITIONAL) MB-650BRBC SEVILLE (TRADITIONAL) MB-170 MAINSTREET (TRADITIONAL) MB-541 NORTHPOINTE (TRADITIONAL) MB-970AB WESTMINSTER (TRADITIONAL) MB-950WBC SEVILLE (TRADITIONAL) KAY JAY NOVELTIES PO BOX 96 NASELLE WA 98638-3780 kayjay@wwest.net FF0100 (ACCESSORY) LETTER LOCKER 20594 OTTAWA RD APPLE VALLEY CA 92308-6253 www.LetterLocker.com SUPREME LETTER LOCKER (LOCKING) STANDARD LETTER LOCKER (LOCKING) MAIL SYSTEMS NW 12365 SW TOOZE RD SHERWOOD OR 97140-7205 http://stores.ebay.com/Mail-Systems-NW BELAIRE 16 (LOCKING) BELAIRE BR16 (LOCKING) BELAIRE 20 (LOCKING) SENATOR 16 (LOCKING) SENATOR XL (LOCKING) MAILBOX IMPROVEMENT WEEK, MAY 21–27 MAILBOX SOLUTIONS 10965 SW COMMERCE CIRCLE SUITE F WILSONVILLE OR 97070-9629 www.MBXS.com STEELHEAD (LOCKING) COLUMBIA (LOCKING) POSTAL VAULT 4620 ROYAL LN DALLAS TX 75229-4203 www.postalvault.com PV101 (LOCKING) PV201 (LOCKING) PV300 (LOCKING) PV400 (LOCKING) SALSBURY INDUSTRIES 1010 EAST 62ND ST LOS ANGELES CA 90001-1598 www.mailboxes.com 4850 (CONTEMPORARY) 4855 (CONTEMPORARY) 4325 (LOCKING) 4350 (LOCKING) 4375 (LOCKING) 4550 (LOCKING) SECURITY MANUFACTURING 815 S MAIN ST GRAPEVINE TX 76051-5535 www.securitymanufacturing.com TRAILMASTER (LOCKING) SOLAR GROUP 107 FELLOWSHIP RD PO BOX 525 TAYLORSVILLE MS 39168-0525 POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) 25 LE BRUTE (CONTEMPORARY) IB IRON BOX (TRADITIONAL) PX POLYBOX (TRADITIONAL) 2D TWO DOOR BRUTE (TRADITIONAL) T1 (TRADITIONAL) T2 (TRADITIONAL) T3 (TRADITIONAL) STEP 2 PO BOX 2412 STREETSBORO OH 44241-0412 www.step2.com 5402 (CONTEMPORARY) 5452 (CONTEMPORARY) 5317 (LOCKING) 5605 MAILMINDER (ACCESSORY) VEEDERS MAILBOX 10050 MONTGOMERY RD #324 CINCINNATI OH 45242-5322 www.veedersmailbox.com LGVMB-G (TRADITIONAL) LGVMB-SS (TRADITIONAL) SMVMB-B (TRADITIONAL) SMVMB-SS (TRADITIONAL) WHITEHALL PRODUCTS 8786 WATER ST MONTAGUE MI 49431-1204 www.whitehallproducts.com WHITEHALL (CONTEMPORARY) Y’ALL GOT MAIL 3088 RAGSDALE DR MILAN TN 38358-3420 yallgotmail@charter.net Y’ALL GOT MAIL (ACCESSORY) www.thesolargroup.com ST-10 (TRADITIONAL) ST-15 (TRADITIONAL) E-16 (TRADITIONAL) ST-20 (TRADITIONAL) ST-11 (TRADITIONAL) ES15 ESTATE (TRADITIONAL) ST-16 (TRADITIONAL) PL-10 (TRADITIONAL) CENTURY 2000 (CONTEMPORARY) CL-1 (CONTEMPORARY) E-11 (CONTEMPORARY) RSK (LOCKING) A15 (CONTEMPORARY) GENTRY (CONTEMPORARY) PED (LOCKING) SPRING CITY ELECTRICAL MANUFACTURING CO PO BOX 19 SPRING CITY PA 19475-0019 www.springcity.com ESTATE (CONTEMPORARY) STEEL CITY 190 N MERIDIAN RD YOUNGSTOWN OH 44501-1227 www.scity.com Cluster Box Units and All-Weather Parcel Lockers During Mailbox Improvement Week, postmasters and managers or their designees must review all cluster box units (CBUs), neighborhood delivery and collection box units (NDCBUs), and outdoor parcel lockers (OPLs) in their delivery areas to identify any hazards or irregularities, and they must record the results of the review. Note: NDCBUs are not approved for use in new delivery or as replacement units for existing NDCBUs — even when privately purchased. Postal Service officials must not install Arrow locks in new NDCBUs or initiate delivery to NDCBU units installed as replacements. Upon completing the reviews, keep a copy in your local office and send consolidated copies to the designated growth coordinator for each district. Use PS Form 8143, Equipment Checklist and Follow-up Review, in conducting and recording the reviews. PS Form 8143 is available in this Postal Bulletin (see Exhibit G on page 32), PS Form 8143 is also available on the PolicyNet Web site (http:// blue.usps.gov/cpim/.) Click on Forms. Employees 26 POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) conducting the reviews must complete PS Form 1624, Delivery/Collection Equipment Work Request, for any equipment that poses a safety hazard to postal customers or employees. You can order PS Form 1624 from the MDC using Touch Tone order entry (described previously) or download it from the PolicyNet Web site (http:// blue.usps.gov/cpim/). The relevant ordering information for PS Form 1624 is as follows: PSN: PSIN: Unit of Issue: Quick Pick #: Bulk Pack Quantity: Minimum Order: Price: 7530-01-000-9392 PS1624 SE N/A 10,000 100 $.0283 Equipment Review Procedure Employees must use the CBU and parcel locker equipment checklist and follow-up review procedure when examining the condition of CBUs, NDCBUs, and OPLs. You must: 1. List the 5-digit, USPS-marked Postal ID number of the unit. This is usually visible on the front or side of the body or pedestal. If a Postal ID number is not available, list the unit location, equipment type, and manufacturer in the left-hand column. If you are able to access the back of the unit, list the unit’s vendorsupplied serial number. You must distinguish the type listed as an NDCBU or CBU. 2. Assign each checklist item one of the following ratings: a. OK — Equipment does not need attention for this item. b. X — Equipment needs attention for this item. c. NA — Item does not apply to this particular piece of equipment. 3. When examining the equipment, use the instructions below to complete PS Form 8143: a. Check equipment. All CBUs, NDCBUs, and OPLs must be straight, vertical, and firmly mounted. For safety concerns, please ensure that customer compartments are facing away from the street (refer to the safety note below). Visually verify that four bolts/nuts are firmly in place securing the pedestal to the concrete pad and to the CBU, NDCBU, or OPL. Apply hand pressure to the top edge of the unit from the front side. While the unit may flex under the load, verify that the pedestal stays firmly mounted to the concrete and that the unit does not separate from the pedestal. MAILBOX IMPROVEMENT WEEK, MAY 21–27 Note: For safety concerns, please ensure that customer compartments are located such that customers do not have to stand in the street to access their mail. b. Check visible welds. Make note of cracked, broken, or rusted welds. For NDCBUs and OPLs only, tap the pedestal with a lightweight hammer, especially along the seams, to check for corrosion from the inside out or perforated corrosion. c. For CBUs and NDCBUs, observe whether the carrier access door is locked and secure. Open it and observe whether it is bowed or warped and whether the door and locking bar operate smoothly. With the carrier access door open, check whether restraining devices prevent the door from blowing closed. These devices, which may have to be set manually, should be serviceable. d. Ensure that the Arrow lock operates smoothly and easily and that the mounting hardware is tight. For NDCBUs and OPLs, the protective cover that shields the Arrow lock from customer tampering must be serviceable and firmly attached. e. For OPLs, the cover that protects the Arrow lock from theft must be secured with the proper quantity of tamper resistant screws. f. Ensure that all customer access doors are present, closed, and locked with no visible damage or signs of forced entry. Check that customer door numbers are legible. g. Ensure that the exterior surface of the unit is free from rust and graffiti. h. Examine the unit. Check it for defects or damage and whether it reflects a proper Postal Service image. i. Check whether the unit and any protecting structure appears watertight and in good repair. Check whether there are any noticeable watermarks inside the unit or any wet mail. j. Note any other conditions that require attention. Also, look for signs of vandalism such as pry marks on doors and locks. 4. Record the results of the inspection on the checklist. 5. Submit the completed PS Form 1624 for each unit reviewed to the maintenance office responsible for Centralized Delivery Equipment installation or repair in the area. Carriers must note equipment deficiencies and report them to the postmaster, supervisor, or designee. The postmaster or designee must then submit PS Form 1624 reporting the equipment defects. In addition, carriers MAILBOX IMPROVEMENT WEEK, MAY 21–27 should complete PS Form 1767, Report of Hazard, Unsafe Condition, or Practice, for items that pose an immediate threat to safety, such as an improperly secured or leaning NDCBU/CBU. You can order PS Form 1767 from the MDC using touch tone ordering procedures. The relevant ordering information for PS Form 1767 is as follows: PSN: PSIN: Unit of Issue: Quick Pick #: Bulk Pack Quantity: Minimum Order: Price: 7530-01-000-9422 PS1767 SE 141 1000 25 $.0500 The postmaster or supervisor must immediately notify by telephone the office responsible for repair of reported hazards. The postmaster or supervisor must follow up to ensure that the work is satisfactorily completed and documented. The office responsible for repair should use its local buying authority to accomplish the repairs. In January of 1999, the Postal Service announced that NDCBUs cannot be installed for delivery of mail beginning in FY 2000. As previously stated, there are no waivers granted for this policy. Place all orders for CBUs and OPLs against the national contracts listed below. Use eBuy to place all orders. For eBuy ordering instructions, go to the Postal Service Intranet (http://blue.usps.gov). In the left-hand column, select the eBuy link, then select Training. You may also call 800-USPS-HELP for additional help. POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) 27 USPS-B-1118E SECURITY MANUFACTURING 815 S. MAIN ST GRAPEVINE TX 76051-5535 Telephone: 800-762-6937 Telephone: 817-329-1600 Fax: 817-481-3993 www.securitymanufacturing.com Unit is anodized, painted aluminum. Note: Security Manufacturing’s Rev. E CBUs are approved for commercial sales only and they are slated to be discontinued in the summer of 2007. Please check with your district growth coordinator for the currently approved models. Only Rev. F style CBUs are authorized for postal & commercial purchases when these CBUs are discontinued. High Security Cluster Box Units AUTH-FLORENCE MANUFACTURING 5935 CORPORATE DR MANHATTAN KS 66503-9675 800-275-1747 785-323-4400 800-275-5081(toll-free fax) 785-323-4470 (fax) www.auth-florence.com Unit constructed of extruded aluminum and stainless steel. Contract #1CDSEQ-05-B-3001 – Place orders through eBuy. Note: Cluster Box Units USPS-B-1118F AUTH-FLORENCE MANUFACTURING 5935 CORPORATE DR MANHATTAN KS 66503-9675 Telephone: 800-275-1747 Telephone: 785-323-4400 Fax: 800-275-5081(toll-free) Fax: 785-323-4470 www.auth-florence.com Unit is anodized, painted aluminum. Contract #1CDSEQ-05-B-3001 – Place orders through eBuy. Note: You must use eBuy to purchase supplies from this contract supplier. 1) You must use eBuy to purchase supplies from this contract supplier. 2) Unit is anodized, painted aluminum — pedestal is anodized, painted stainless steel. Contract No. 1CDSEQ-05-B-3001, available on eBuy. Outdoor Parcel Locker (OPL) – USPS-B-1116A AUTH-FLORENCE MANUFACTURING 5935 CORPORATE DR MANHATTAN KS 66503-9675 Telephone: 800-275-1747 Telephone: 785-323-4400 Fax: 800-275-5081(toll-free) Fax: 785-323-4470 www.auth-florence.com Contract #1CDSEQ-05-B-3001 – Place orders through eBuy. Note: You must use eBuy to purchase supplies from this contract supplier. 28 POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) Replacement Pedestals — NDCBU Universal AUTH-FLORENCE MANUFACTURING CO 5935 CORPORATE DR MANHATTAN KS 66503-9675 Telephone: 800-275-1747 Telephone: 785-323-4400 Fax: 800-275-5081(toll-free) Fax: 785-323-4470 www.auth-florence.com Contract #1CDSEQ-05-B-3001 — Place orders through eBuy. Pedestal is anodized aluminum. Does not fit Superior units. Replacement Pedestals — OPL AUTH-FLORENCE MANUFACTURING CO 5935 CORPORATE DR MANHATTAN KS 66503-9675 Telephone: 800-275-1747 Telephone: 785-323-4400 Fax: 800-275-5081(toll-free) Fax: 785-323-4470 www.auth-florence.com Contract #1CDSEQ-05-B-3001. Place orders through eBuy. MAILBOX IMPROVEMENT WEEK, MAY 21–27 The use of STD-4C boxes is primarily intended for new construction and not as a means of retrofitting existing complexes. However buildings undergoing significant renovations or rehabilitations may be required to convert to wall-mounted receptacles that are USPS STD-4C compliant. If these renovations include significant structural changes and present an opportunity for more complete makeovers, the builders should include 4C receptacles. Buildings that are simply remodeling or changing the outward/surface appearance of the lobby are not considered examples of renovations that would trigger the use of 4C receptacles. If you have additional questions regarding these timelines, please contact your area or district growth coordinators for further information. Approved Manufacturers USPS STD-4C AUTH-FLORENCE MANUFACTURING CO 5935 CORPORATE DR MANHATTAN KS 66503-9675 Telephone: 800-275-1747 Telephone: 785-323-4400 Fax: 800-275-5081(toll-free) Fax: 785-323-4470 www.auth-florence.com FRONT LOADER DESIGNS Wall-Mounted Centralized Mail Receptacles (USPS STD-4C) USPS STD-4C was fully implemented on October 6, 2006. JENSEN MAILBOXES 105 STEEL CRAFT DRIVE HARTFORD WI 53027-1631 Telephone: 877-597-5671 Fax: 800-991-6121 www.jensenmailboxes.com All new multi-unit construction with building permits submitted before October 6, 2006, retain the option of using apartment style receptacles built to the specifications of USPS STD-4B+. FRONT LOADER DESIGNS All multi-unit construction with building plans submitted on October 6, 2006, or later are required to use WallMounted Mail Receptacles built and approved to the specifications of USPS STD-4C. www.mailproducts.com The receptacles built under the new specifications offer: Improved compartment security. Customer friendly compartment designs, which allow mail to be placed flat into the compartment. Increased ease of use for carriers Larger customer compartment capacity for small parcels and rolls (SPRs), small parcels, and large volume of mail. One parcel lockers for every 10 customer compartments above 10 compartments or more. Secure outgoing mail compartments. POSTAL PRODUCTS UNLIMITED 500 WEST OKLAHOMA AVE MILWAUKEE WI 53207-2649 Telephone: 800-229-4500 FRONT LOADER DESIGNS SALSBURY INDUSTRIES 1010 E 62ND ST LOS ANGELES CA 90001-1598 Telephone: 800-624-5269 Fax: 800-624-5299 www.mailboxes.com FRONT LOADER DESIGNS SECURITY MANUFACTURING CORP 815 SOUTH MAIN ST GRAPEVINE TX 76051-5535 Telephone: 800-762-6937 Telephone: 817-329-1600 Fax: 817-481-3993 www.securitymanufacturing.com FRONT LOADER DESIGNS MAILBOX IMPROVEMENT WEEK, MAY 21–27 Apartment House Mail Receptacles — Horizontal and Vertical Note: The Postal Service has revised USPS-STD-4B. The new standard is USPS-STD-4C. For replacement of existing equipment, security enhanced versions of both horizontal and vertical boxes are now available. They are referred to as “USPS-STD4B+” boxes and are designed to fit cleanly into buildings with old USPS-STD-4B boxes. USPS-STD-4B+ boxes are approved for Postal Service mail delivery for indoor installations or protected outdoor locations. However, the Postal Service does not approve the purchase of this equipment for new installations and will not install Arrow locks in any such equipment. You may only order replacement parts for Postal Service-owned equipment that was installed in the past. POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) 29 JENSEN MAILBOXES 105 STEEL CRAFT DR HARTFORD, WI 53027-1631 Telephone: 877-597-5671 Fax: 800-991-6121 www.jensenmailboxes.com HORIZONTAL UNITS ONLY SALSBURY INDUSTRIES 1010 E 62ND ST LOS ANGELES CA 90001-1598 Telephone: 800-624-5269 Fax: 800-624-5299 www.mailboxes.com SECURITY MANUFACTURING CORP 815 S MAIN ST GRAPEVINE TX 76051-5535 Telephone: 800-762-6937 Telephone: 817-329-1600 Fax: 817-481-3993 www.securitymanufacturing.com Approved Manufacturers USPS STD-4B+ AMERICAN DEVICE MANUFACTURING 5935 CORPORATE DR MANHATTAN KS 66503-9675 Telephone: 800-275-1747 Telephone: 785-323-4400 Fax: 800-275-5081(toll-free) Fax: 785-323-4470 www.auth-florence.com HORIZONTAL UNITS ONLY Locks PSIN O910A & B, O910HS (per USPS-L-1172C), O913A through K cams, O306P1 (per USPS-L-1294) COMPX SECURITY PRODUCTS (FORMERLY NATIONAL CABINET LOCK) 200 OLD MILL RD PO BOX 200 MAULDIN SC 29662-0200 www.compx.com AMERICAN EAGLE MANUFACTURING CO 3017 WHEELOCK ST DALLAS TX 75220-2944 Telephone: 800-488-4810 Telephone: 214-358-5544 Fax: 214-358-2261 HORIZONTAL UNITS ONLY AUTH-FLORENCE MANUFACTURING CO 5935 CORPORATE DR MANHATTAN KS 66503-9675 Telephone: 800-275-1747 Telephone: 785-323-4400 Fax: 800-275-5081(toll-free) Fax: 785-323-4470 www.auth-florence.com BOMMER INDUSTRIES INC PO BOX 187 LANDRUM SC 29356-0187 Telephone: 800-334-1654 Telephone: 864-457-3301 Fax: 864-457-5370 www.bommer.com CONTACT: CRAIG LAMBERT Telephone: 864-286-1694 Fax: 864-286-1698 Contract No. 1CDSEQ-06-B-0012 Note: 1) In accordance with MMO-123-06, Return of NonFunctional PSIN O306P Locks (Rev. E CBU Parcel Locker Locks), all non-functioning PSIN O306P locks are to be mailed to CompX at the address provided above. Also, refer to Redesigned Parcel Lock Now Available, published in Postal Bulletin 22204, 4-1307, for ordering information. 2) Use the following information to order locks. MAILMATERIAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER ATTN: SUPPLY REQUISITIONS 500 SW GARY ORMSBY DRIVE TOPEKA, KS 6624-9702 E-mail: MDC Customer Service TTOE: 800-273-1509 Option 1 followed by option 2 30 POSTAL BULLETIN 22206 (5-10-07) MAILBOX IMPROVEMENT WEEK, MAY 21–27 State and Local Regulations Publicity Some states have enacted laws that are more stringent and specific about the type of mailbox that may be used, the post or support that must be used to mount the mailbox, and the location of the delivery equipment. Regulations and recommendations published in this notice might not reflect appropriate requirements for your area. When providing guidance to the general public concerning mailbox placement and replacement, advise them not only of Postal Service regulations but also of any mailbox regulations that you know have been enacted by state or local authorities. Further information is available from the following: Postmasters must give these guidelines and suggestions maximum local publicity. Consult your area Public Affairs and Communications representative for further guidance and assistance in publicizing Mailbox Improvement Week. The news release on page 31 is provided for postmasters to distribute to daily or weekly newspapers or broadcast stations in their delivery area to promote Mailbox Improvement Week. Retype the press release, doublespaced, on Postal Service letterhead. You may also find it helpful to alert the media to locations of particularly interesting mailboxes in your delivery area. AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE HIGHWAY & TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS 444 N CAPITOL ST NW SUITE 249 WASHINGTON DC 20001-1512 FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF HIGHWAY SAFETY HHS-10 400 7TH ST SW WASHINGTON DC 20590-0003 Responsibility Motorized city, rural, and highway contract box delivery route carriers must cooperate to ensure the success of this endeavor and later report the results to the postmaster. In addition, postmasters should use the most up-to-date list of manufacturers and mailbox suppliers when providing motorized city, rural, and highway contract box delivery route customers with information about the type of box to install. — Delivery Operations, City Delivery, 5-10-07