A final rule was published in the May 26th issue of the Federal Register to change the requirements for Periodicals mail prepared in mixed area distribution center (ADC) bundles and sacks. Beginning July 6, 2006, the optional mixed ADC separation becomes mandatory. The new standards allow a portion of Periodicals mail to be processed with First-Class Mail and travel on the surface transportation network, improving service without increasing our processing costs.

Mailers continue to have the option to place Automated Flat Sorting Machine (AFSM) 100–compatible mailpieces in ADC and mixed ADC flats trays with lids instead of in ADC and mixed ADC sacks. An article on this option was published in the November/December 2005 Mailers Companion.

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Mailing sacks are in the process of being replaced with two new semi-clear plastic sacks (USPS items EIRS 01VM and EIRS 03VM). The new sacks are made of recyclable plastic and will eventually replace all sacks used by mailers for presorted mailings.

These semi-clear sacks use a Velcro strap to secure the contents and have a 2-inch label holder on the body of the sack. As a result of the new sack design, mailers now may use 2-inch labels with sacks that contain 2-inch label holders. The use of 2-inch labels in these new sacks is important to ensure that the label does not fall out during transportation and processing.

Several articles about the new sacks and the related label changes are published in the May 11, 2006 Postal Bulletin.

Mailers are encouraged to work closely with their local Post Office, Business Mail Entry Office, or Business Service Network as we transition to the new sacks.

The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) is available on Postal Explorer.

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