Post on 24-Jan-2016
description
FLAT MAIL PREPARATION OPTIMIZATION
November 5, 2003 1
FLAT MAIL PREPARATION
OPTIMIZATION
Issue #81
MTAC
November 5, 2003
FLAT MAIL PREPARATION OPTIMIZATION
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
FLAT MAIL PREPARATION OPTIMIZATION
November 5, 2003 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
FLAT MAIL PREPARATION OPTIMIZATION
November 5, 2003 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?
FLAT MAIL PREPARATION OPTIMIZATION
November 5, 2003 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
FLAT MAIL PREPARATION OPTIMIZATION
November 5, 2003 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
FLAT MAIL PREPARATION OPTIMIZATION
November 5, 2003 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
FLAT MAIL PREPARATION OPTIMIZATION
November 5, 2003 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
FLAT MAIL PREPARATION OPTIMIZATION
November 5, 2003 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
FLAT MAIL PREPARATION OPTIMIZATION
November 5, 2003 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
FLAT MAIL PREPARATION OPTIMIZATION
November 5, 2003 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
FLAT MAIL PREPARATION OPTIMIZATION
November 5, 2003 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
FLAT MAIL PREPARATION OPTIMIZATION
November 5, 2003 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
FLAT MAIL PREPARATION OPTIMIZATION
November 5, 2003 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
FLAT MAIL PREPARATION OPTIMIZATION
November 5, 2003 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”.
FLAT MAIL PREPARATION OPTIMIZATION
November 5, 2003 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