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24-Jan-2011
Following is part of the supporting material I included in an appeal to my local postmaster. It explains reasons that cite the DMM and includes relevant portions of the DMM. Individuals are hereby given permision to copy part or all of these words when drafting their own appeals.
The reasons I believe the DMM allows thick and lumpy Flat Rate Envelopes are as follows:
The DMM does not restrict the thickness nor the uniformity of Flat Rate Priority Mail Envelopes when it specifies allowable content. DMM section 123.1.5 definitively allows “any amount of material (up to 70 pounds)”, provided that the “container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds” and provided that the container is not cut open and reconstructed.
The DMM in no place restricts the content of Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes to “documents”. DMM section 123.2.1 definitively allows “any mailable matter” (with restrictive exceptions for content sent to APO and FPO addresses).
The DMM in no place restricts the uniformity (or “lumpiness”) of Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes. Again, DMM section 123.2.1 definitively allows “any mailable matter”.
DMM 323.1.4.1 requires that Critical Mail flat-size pieces thicker than 3/4” shall be priced at the Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope rate. That expressly affirms thick Flat Rate Envelopes.
Attached is a copy of the sections of the DMM cited above. Italics have been added for emphasis.
Any amount of material (up to 70 pounds) may be mailed in a USPS-produced Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope or Flat Rate Box. When sealing a Flat Rate Envelope or Flat Rate Box, the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. Tape may be applied to the flaps and seams to reinforce the container, provided the design of the container is not enlarged by opening the sides and the container is not reconstructed in any way.
[1-2-11] All USPS-produced Priority Mail envelopes smaller than the EP14F envelope (9.5 inches by 12.5 inches) are eligible for the Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope price whether or not they are marked "Flat Rate Envelope." Each type of USPS-produced Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope is priced at a flat rate regardless of the actual weight (up to 70 pounds) of the mailpiece or domestic destination. See Notice 123—Price List for applicable prices.
Priority Mail is an expedited service and may contain any mailable matter weighing no more than 70 pounds except for APO and FPO mail subject to 703.2.0, Overseas Military Mail, 703.4.0, Mail Sent by U.S. Armed Forces, and Department of State mail subject to 703.3.0.
All mailable matter may be sent as Priority Mail, except matter prohibited by standards (e.g., certain hazardous materials).
[1-2-11] Critical Mail flat-size pieces are charged a flat rate regardless of domestic destination or weight for barcoded, automation flats up to 13 ounces. Critical Mail flat-size pieces that exceed 13 ounces in weight or exceed 3/4 inch thickness, or are not barcoded according to 3.2.1, will be charged the Priority Mail Commercial Plus Flat Rate Envelope price (volume thresholds apply). Critical Mail prices for flats are available to Critical Mail customers whose Priority Mail and Critical Mail volume exceeds a combined total of 5,000 letter-size and flat-size pieces (including Flat Rate Envelopes, but not the Padded Flat Rate Envelope), in the previous calendar year or who have a customer commitment agreement (see 1.4.2) with USPS, and that are:
a. Registered end-users of USPS-approved PC Postage products when using a qualifying shipping label managed by the PC Postage system used.
b. Permit imprint customers.
