FLAT MAIL PREPARATION

1

• FLAT MAIL PREPARATION
• OPTIMIZATION
• Issue 81
• MTAC
• November 5, 2003

2
5 Digit Package Scheme for Flats (L007)

• Covers Standard Flats, Periodicals, Bound
  Printed Matter Flats
• Run multiple 5-digits on same AFSM 100 sort plan
• Incoming secondary sortation
• In effect since early 2003
• Experienced problems with newspapers rigid
  items

3
5 Digit Package Scheme for Flats (L007)

• Reinforced machinability criteria to mailers
• Borderline AFSM 100 compatible items should not
  use scheme
• Majority of issues have been resolved
• Very few reported concerns recently
• Preparing to expand concept to 3-digit scheme

4
3 Digit Package Scheme for Flats

• L007 issues cleared up ready to start
• Covers Standard Flats, Periodicals, Bound
  Printed Matter Flats
• Run multiple 3-digits on same AFSM 100 sort plan
• Incoming primary sortation
• All within single ADC?

5
3 Digit Package Scheme for Flats

• Increases bundle size
• Decreases number of bundles
• Reduces allied labor expenses associated with
  prepping flats (Operation 035)
• LDC 17 is one of last major areas of opportunity
  to target

6
3 Digit Package Scheme for Flats

• Notified field operations coordinators of intent
• Scheduled on MOS agenda to introduce
• Letter to MOSs prepared to begin data collection
• Should have scheme combinations by next MTAC

7
Co-Palletization / Co-Packaging of Mixed Classes

• Product Redesign initiative
• Covers Standard flats, Periodicals, Bound
  Printed Matter flats
• Lukewarm industry reception to Co-Pal
• Stronger support for Co-Packaging
• Co-Packaging subgroup met to discuss initiative

8
Co-Palletization / Co-Packaging of Mixed Classes

• Helps consolidate flat streams
• Gets out of sacks and onto pallets
• Allows for deeper penetration into system
• Reduces number of containers used
• Reduced bundle breakage from decreased sack usage

9
Co-Palletization / Co-Packaging of Mixed Classes

• Concerns about acceptance and verification
• Issues around minimum package size
• Timing issue will this take away time from cost
  based rates work?
• Industry split on how to proceed

10
Co-Palletization / Co-Packaging of Mixed Classes

• Operational concerns about Standard ADC pallets
• Can all ADCs handle Std. pallets?
• Periodicals and Std flats often processed in
  different facilities
• How to give Std service, but process in
  Periodicals mailstream?
• Uncertain status

11
Periodical Firm Bundles

• Periodicals mailings prepared under M940 and M950
• 5 limit would not apply to non-CRRT Firm bundles
• Only for Firm bundles claiming 5-digit or basic
  rate
• Firm bundle is treated as CRRT mail
• Firm bundle is not opened/processed on FSMs

12
Periodical Firm Bundles

• Bottom line If L001 container exists, put all
  Firm bundles for those zips in container
• Idea newly introduced to workgroup
• Being reviewed for reasonableness and
  practicality
• Will have status update at next MTAC

13
APPS Barcoded Labels

• 5 new presort barcoded labels
• Width modulated barcode on labels
• Proposed rule issued August 18, 2003
• Final rule issued October 17, 2003
• Postal Bulletin October 30, 2003
• Effective date for use April 1, 2004

14
APPS Optional Endorsement Lines

• Subgroup formed to address concerns
• Issues with maximum character length
• Abbreviations may be necessary
• Soliciting industry member for subgroup
• Suggestions to be tested by Engineering
• Proposed rule will be issued for comments

15
APPS Address Visibility Requirement

• Address block on top piece must be clear
• DMM M020 (Packages) 1.1 (Facing)
• Except as noted in 1.2, all pieces in a package
• must be faced (i.e., arranged with the
  addresses
• in the same read direction), with an address
• visible on the top piece.

16
APPS Packaging Guidelines

• Do not use rubber bands
• Do not use string
• Strap before shrinkwrapping works best
• Guidelines at this point
• If intend to make requirements will have
  supporting data, and will provide ample lead time
• Will update at next MTAC