The classification reform proposal was filed with the Postal Rate Commission on March 24, 1995. A decision on the proposal is expected before Spring 1996. Implementation will be about August or September, 1996, if approved.

The Postal Service proposes to restructure today's First-Class subclasses for letters and cards into two new subclasses: Automation and Retail.

Proposed Standard Mail Class

The Postal Service proposes establishing a new class, Standard mail, for mail matter not requiring expedited for First-Class service and not required to be mailed as First-Class Mail. The current reform proposal generally includes mail in existing third- and fourth-class subclasses, but it does not restructure fourth-class mail.

For Standard mail under 16 ounces, three new subclasses are proposed to be added in place of current regular bulk third-class: Automation, Enhanced Carrier Route, and Regular.

Regular Use of CASS Needed

The Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) software and/or service bureaus will have to be used every six months for any discount mail.

Unibase by DMAC To Support

Unibase by DMAC will be adding verbs and control functions for support of the CASS six month verification process, if the proposal is accepted.