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FLAT MAIL PREPARATION OPTIMIZATION WORK GROUP #81. MTAC Report February 5, 2004. MAJOR TOPICS COVERED. Simplified Mail Prep Proposal Co-Palletization for high editorial content Flats Palletization: testing of new methods APPS Issues: Address Block OEL Update
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FLAT MAIL PREPARATION OPTIMIZATIONWORK GROUP #81 MTAC Report February 5, 2004
MAJOR TOPICS COVERED • Simplified Mail Prep Proposal • Co-Palletization for high editorial content • Flats Palletization: testing of new methods • APPS Issues: • Address Block • OEL Update • Co-palletization, co-packaging of mixed classes
SIMPLIFIED MAIL PREP PROPOSAL • Presented by Mauro Licciardello, Gary Hegstead • AFSM 100 higher processing throughput • Sort plans were revised • Image keying process reorganized • Machine utilization maximized • Remaining issue: adapt mail preparation
SIMPLIFIED MAIL PREP PROPOSAL • Mailers: prepare bundles with less strapping, no counterstacking, avoid shrinkwrapping, place on pallets in sequence specified by USPS • USPS: bypass SPBS, put mail in tubs, conveyors directly to AFSM 100 • Mailers save materials • USPS reduces work hours • Mail pieces need fewer handlings
SIMPLIFIED MAIL PREP PROPOSAL • Could revise packaging types and sizes as a future outgrowth of the concept • Could fit in to future flats processing • Mailer issues: material handling, pallet integrity, need for software to know sequences • Concept has had preliminary testing • Subgroup organized to carry out further tests
CO-PALLETIZATION FOR HIGH EDITORIAL CONTENT • Presented by Ashley Lyons • Extension of earlier niche classification • Will require PRC action • Not a response but related to complaint case • Aims at high weight, high editorial publications
CO-PALLETIZATION FOR HIGH EDITORIAL CONTENT • Original co-palletization results to date: • 17 million pieces • 350,000 sacks to 7,000 pallets • 150 publications involved • Beginning to attract new entrants
CO-PALLETIZATION FOR HIGH EDITORIAL CONTENT • New requirements expected to include: • Copy weight: Minimum of 9 ounces • Advertising content: 15% or less • Meet the conditions of current co-palletization • Discount will apply to editorial pounds
FLATS PALLETIZATION: TESTING OF NEW METHODS • Presented by Tony Dobush, Joe Schick • Similar to first topic but based on current mail prep • Outgrowth of prior Flats Containerization work group • Recommendation: carrier route mail on bottom of pallet, other mail on top, separated by paper slip sheet • Two printers to test in Indianapolis
APPS ISSUES: ADDRESS BLOCK • Presented by Barry Walsh • Visibility of address block has been required in DMM • Clarification to define that in terms of readability • Seeking greater bundle integrity • Contrast with first topic which seeks easier handling • This is not contradictory because first topic involves bypass of SPBS and APPS • Need for transparent strapping • May need to define what is transparent
APPS ISSUES: OEL UPDATE • Revised proposal handed out • Based on 30 character line length • Includes definition of package types • Includes markings for APPS readability • Allows room for ACS codes • USPS tests needed before final requirements definition
CO-PALLETIZATION AND CO-PACKAGING OF MIXED CLASSES • Presented by Cheryl Beller • Issue: Mixed pallets would get Standard service • Issue: drop ship appointments required • Issue: need publisher acknowledgement • Issue: need for ADC pallets • ADC packages need a home • Avoid splitting mailings • Issue: need for drop shipping of pallets
CO-PALLETIZATION AND CO-PACKAGING OF MIXED CLASSES • Issue: Standard mail at ADC level • Already there are ADC sacks • Pallets are preferred to sacks • Trend is to move mail away from the BMC • Relation to cost-based rates • Next steps: survey of mailers
OTHER ISSUES • Revised rules on Periodicals firm bundles on pallets • Three digit schemes being developed • Five digit scheme issues continue to stabilize • Full merging of non-AFSM 100 flats on pallets