Postal Service Bulk Mailing and Classification Changes To: "AO - All Administrative Officers" cc: "HS - Headquarters Secretaries" Subject: Postal Service Bulk Mailing and Classification Changes Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Date: Mon, 12 Aug 1996 08:15:29 -0400 From: "Connie F Magaha, Chief, Mgmt Support Section, Reston, VA" The following memorandum is being forwarded for your information. August 6, 1996 In Reply Refer To: Mail Stop 231 MEMORANDUM To: Division Administrative Officers From: Bert Simon Chief, Branch of Materials Management Subject: Postal Service Bulk Mailing and Classification Changes The Postal Service (USPS) has implemented changes in practices called "Classification Reform," aimed at giving incentives to the business community to use bar codes, and also to redesignate the way mail is classified. Of critical importance in Classification Reform is that our bulk mailers must have their mailing lists certified annually for five-digit Zip Code accuracy. Bulk mailers are those offices mailing bulk printed matter using a permit imprint that allows them to mail a minimum of 200 similar pieces or 50 pounds without affixing postage. These mailings are performed either by the office directly at a USPS bulk mail acceptance unit or through a Government Printing Office (GPO) contractor. In the event that bulk mailers have not been alerted of this requirement through their postal contacts, they should take immediate action to contact their local postal representatives for assistance in purging their mailing lists. In those cases where management of bulk mailing lists is being provided by GPO or another servicing activity, bulk mailers should verify with their service providers that their mailing lists meet the certification requirement. National Center offices needing this certification can submit their bulk mailing lists to this office on diskette in ASCII text format for verification no later than August 16, 1996. Regarding mail classification, First-Class mail remains unchanged in designating letter correspondence or first generation matter. Third- and Fourth-Class mail have been redesignated as Standard Mail A and Standard Mail B, respectively. Standard Mail A (Third-Class) usually is comprised of printed matter or non-First-Class specific mail, while Standard Mail B (Fourth-Class) is normally used for parcels. Also, Express Mail is now called Expedited Mail, and Second Class which is reserved for registered publishers has changed to simply, "Periodicals." These changes have not affected rates and fees for single piece mail, but Standard Mail A has varying bulk rates as provided on the revised mailing statement, (PS Form 3602-R). Bulk mailers should obtain a copy of the USPS booklet, entitled "Max It! For the New Value In Business Mail," which provides detailed information about Classification Reform. More reform changes are under way that would involve rate changes in such services as certified and registered mail, post office box fees, Expedited Mail, and parcel (Standard Mail B). Offices encountering problems or requiring further assistance in this matter are urged to call us at (703) 648-7280.