Notice2022-08095
Mail Classification Schedule
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
April 15, 2022
Issuing agencies
Postal Regulatory Commission
Abstract
The Commission is recognizing a recent Postal Service filing concerning classification changes to the Mail Classification Schedule (MCS) related to Ancillary Services, along with corresponding minor revisions to other MCS entries. This document informs the public of the filing, invites public comment, and takes other administrative steps.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 73 (Friday, April 15, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 73 (Friday, April 15, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22585-22586]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-08095]
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POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION
[Docket No. MC2022-51; Order No. 6149]
Mail Classification Schedule
AGENCY: Postal Regulatory Commission.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Commission is recognizing a recent Postal Service filing
concerning classification changes to the Mail Classification Schedule
(MCS) related to Ancillary Services, along with corresponding minor
revisions to other MCS entries. This document informs the public of the
filing, invites public comment, and takes other administrative steps.
DATES: Comments are due: April 22, 2022.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments electronically via the Commission's Filing
Online system at <a href="http://www.prc.gov">http://www.prc.gov</a>. Those who cannot submit comments
electronically should contact the person identified in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section by telephone for advice on filing
alternatives.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David A. Trissell, General Counsel, at
202-789-6820.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. Summary of Changes
III. Notice of Commission Action
IV. Ordering Paragraphs
I. Introduction
On April 6, 2022, the Postal Service filed a formal request to make
a material modification to the product description of Ancillary
Services on the Mail Classification Schedule (MCS), along with
corresponding ``minor revisions'' to other MCS entries.\1\
Specifically, the Postal Service seeks to strike the description of
Special Handling in section 1505.18 of the MCS, as well as all other
references to Special Handling. Request at 1. To support its Request,
the Postal Service incorporated a statement of supporting justification
required by 39 CFR 3040.180 and attached its proposed changes to the
MCS.\2\
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\1\ United States Postal Service Request to Modify the Product
Description of Ancillary Services on the Market Dominant Product
List, April 6, 2022, at 1 (Request).
\2\ The Postal Service asserts that, because the Commission has
historically treated Ancillary Services as a ``product'' and the
various services listed within as ``components'' or ``sub-
components,'' and because the Postal Service intends to keep
Ancillary Services on the market dominant product list, the
elimination of Special Handling constitutes a material modification
of a product description subject to 39 CFR part 3040, subpart E,
rather than the removal of a product subject to Subpart B. See
Request at 1 n.1.
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II. Summary of Changes
The Postal Service intends to discontinue the Special Handling
service and seeks to remove all references to it from the MCS. Request
at 1-2. It explains that Special Handling is an extra offering
available for certain mailing and shipping services that allows mailers
to request careful treatment of their items for a $12.15 fee. See id.
at 2-3. According to the Postal Service, however, ``experience
indicates that observance of [instructions to treat these items with
care] is inconsistent'' and many items do not receive the label that
should inform handlers of these instructions. Id. Moreover, the Postal
Service states that ``[m]any types of sensitive goods for which mailers
purchase Special Handling already require special packing, packaging,
and labeling,'' thus compliance with those requirements signals that
the handler is to give the item special attention and rendering the
Special Handling designation superfluous. Id. at 3. The Postal Service
contends that ``purchaser[s] of Special Handling may expect a level of
service or sanctity from the Postal Service that is not fully
contemplated or provided.'' Id.
Additionally, the Postal Service asserts that the proposed change
will better align the value of the service with customer expectations.
Id. According to the Postal Service, Special Handling does not
correspond with market expectations because private companies do not
offer their customers an expectation of special handling for fragile
items that are packed by the customer (with or without a fee). Id. at
4. Instead, the Postal Service contends that throughout the parcel
shipping industry, a customer preparing fragile items for shipping
bears the burden ``to self-insure via adequate package-preparation
practices, accepting the risk of damage or loss from any shortfalls.''
Id.
The Postal Service maintains that the proposed change ``is not
inconsistent with the policies and applicable criteria of 39 U.S.C.
Chapter 36 or any regulatory rules or directives.'' Id. The Postal
Service further asserts that these provisions are inapplicable to the
proposed change. See id. Nevertheless, ``to the extent that the
Commission might deem such provisions to articulate general policies,''
the Postal Service contends that it has considered the factors set
forth in 39 U.S.C. 3622(c) and the provisions appearing in 39 U.S.C.
101, 403, and 404. See id. at 4-5.
With respect to the impact of the proposed change, the Postal
Service does not expect that customers will experience a material
diminution in the services received. Id. at 5. According to the Postal
Service, the proposed change will improve the customer experience by
decreasing mailing costs and better aligning customer expectations with
operational realities and industry practice. Id. at 5-6. Finally, the
Postal Service expects that the proposed change will not impact
competitors significantly ``because no commercial competitors offer a
similar service.'' Id. at 6.
III. Notice of Commission Action
Pursuant to 39 CFR 3040.182, the Commission has posted the Request
on its website and invites comments on whether the Postal Service's
filings are consistent with 39 CFR 3040.180. Comments are due no later
than April 22, 2022. The filing can be accessed via the Commission's
website (<a href="http://www.prc.gov">http://www.prc.gov</a>).
The Commission appoints Matthew Ashford to represent the interests
of the general public (Public Representative) in this docket.
IV. Ordering Paragraphs
It is ordered:
1. The Commission establishes Docket No. MC2022-51 to consider
matters raised by this Notice.
2. Comments by interested persons are due by April 22, 2022.
3. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, Mathew Ashford is appointed to serve
as an officer of the Commission (Public Representative) to represent
the interests of the general public in this proceeding.
4. The Commission directs the Secretary of the Commission to
arrange for prompt publication of this notice in the Federal Register.
By the Commission.
Jennie L. Jbara,
Alternate Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2022-08095 Filed 4-14-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-FW-P
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