How Do I...?

Ask The PCC

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Phone:
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Question:
For those who missed it, here are the questions and answers from the
Roundtable portion of the PCC Expo.

Question 1 (Lee Caldwell, Mail Source): How can we measure static charge and coefficient of friction?

At this time there is nothing available to measure static charge or friction.

Question 2 (Lee Caldwell, Mail Source): If a folded self mailer has more than one page is it considered a booklet?

The proposal was to identify a self mailer as a single piece of paper, regardless of size prior to folding. A booklet was proposed to be identified as multiple pages. These descriptions did not make it into the Federal Register stating the final rules for letter size booklets, effective Sept 8, 2009. (Currently, a large booklet, folded to a letter size for mailing is considered a folded self mailer.)

The definition of a booklet, effective Sept 8 is:
Booklets consist of bound sheets or pages. Binding methods that are compatible with machinable processing include, perfect binding, permanent fastening with at least two staples in the manufacturing fold(saddle stitched), pressed glue, or another binding method that creates a nearly uniformly thick mailpiece. Spiral bindings are no machinable so booklets prepared with spiral bindings do not qualify for automation prices. Large booklets may be folded to letter-size for mailing if the final mailpiece remains a uniform thickness.

Question 3 (Lee Caldwell, Mail Source): (From page four (4) of the Federal Register 39 CFR Part III, Final Rule effective Sept.8.2009) What does this mean?

These were comments from mailers stating the Postal Service did not justify the amount of added workload it would take mailers to apply additional tabs to letter size booklets. The response advised that efficiently processing booklets, with the new tabbing requirements, through the Postal equipment warranted the changes.

Question 4 (Lee Caldwell, Mail Source): Why does the PO not make a 1' EMM tray?

Jim Drummer or Carolyn Chambers asked if there was a need, and the response from several mailers was 'yes' (and there certainly is a need). (Jim or Carolyn advised they would research it.)

Question 5 (Veronica Smith, Belmont): How soon do we need to change barcodes on BRE's (Business Reply Mail) to IMB's (Intelligent Mail Barcodes)?

2011

Question 6 (Veronica Smith, Belmont): Is postage due ever going to be available for the CAPS Account (Linked to CAPS)?

The CAPS helpdesk would have to answer that, I don't recall the response to this question.

Helpful Links & Resources

1) Centralized Account Processing System
USPS - CAPS provides an electronic alternative to presenting checks and cash for postage and fees at multiple post offices.

2) DM News
The online Newspaper for Direct Marketers.

3) Domestic Bulk Calculator
USPS Postage Rate Calculator -- Domestic Business Services

4) National Postal Forum
The National Postal Forum is the premier educational event/experience and tradeshow available to mail professionals today

5) Postal Explorer
USPS Postal Explorer

6) Postal News
The Daily news digest of the postal World.

7) RIBBS
United States Postal Service Rapid Information Bulletin Board System

8) The Postal Bulletin
The official source of updates to Postal Service policies and procedures. It is published bi-weekly online and in paper.

9) United States Postal Service
Official site for the Post Office. This site features online services such as ZIP Code Lookup, Change of Address, Express and Priority Mail Track/Confirm, Post Office Locator, and more.

10) USPS - MailPro

11) USPS Business Customer Support

12) Tabbing Information
If you need additional information, contact your local Mailing Requirements Office or Business Mail Entry Unit.