(a) Services required. Star route advertisements and contract state whether box delivery, collection service, or other mail services are required and specify the area to be served. In addition to usual box delivery and collection service, on some routes the carriers are required to:

(1) Sell stamp supplies.

(2) Deliver registered, insured, certified and COD matter.

(3) Accept matter presented by patrons to be registered, insured, certified, or mailed COD, and money with applications for noney orders and give receipts. (b) Availability. All box delivery and collection service is provided without charge to the patron. To qualify for service a patron must:

(1) Reside on or near a route on which box delivery and collection service is required.

(2) Live at least one-fourth mile from a post office.

(3) Provide and erect a suitable box or provide a suitable sack or satchel with post upon which it may be hung. Where a box is newly installed or a present box is being replaced, an approved rural-type box must be used. The name and box number of the owner must be neatly inscribed in letters and numerals not less than 1 inch high on the side of the box visible to the carrier as he approaches, or on the door if boxes are grouped. (See § 46.5 of this chapter.)

(4) Request from the post office to which mail is addressed, delivery and collection service. Star route patrons residing between two post offices may receive mail service from that post office which is the one next preceding the patron's residence, or from either post office if there is a return trip. In addition, the patron may receive delivery from the post office from which the star route originates.

(5) Where necessary advise carrier of signal to be used to indicate that mail is to be collected.

(6) Meet carrier to get receipts for money order, insured, certified, and COD mail, where those services are provided.

(c) Delivery of mail. Mail matter addressed to a qualified patron of a star route will be taken by the carrier from

the post office and deposited into the proper mail box. If required by the contract, the carrier will deliver registered, insured, certified, and COD mail. Delivery of this mail will be made only when patron meets the carrier at the box or along the route. Parcel post packages too large to go into mail boxes may be delivered outside of boxes, provided the addressee has filed with the postmaster a written request for dethat livery in manner. Otherwise, notice will be left in patron's box to meet carrier on next trip. If proper delivery cannot be made by carrier, the mail will be held at the post office as described in Part 48 of this chapter.

(d) Collection of mail. Mail matter properly stamped and placed in a mail box for dispatch must be collected by the carrier and deposited in the next post office at which the carrier arrives unless otherwise directed by the Department. Mail collected on the route, addressed for delivery on that part of the route still to be covered before reaching the next post office, will be delivered on the day of collection. The carrier will cancel the stamps before delivery by writing across them the name of the post office last served, the State, the date and the number of the route. Bulky mailable matter, properly prepared and stamped, will be collected by the carrier if placed on or near the mail box. Money left in mail boxes for the purchase of stamps will be at the risk of the patron.

[26 F.R. 11587, Dec. 6, 1961, as amended at 28 F.R. 1508, Feb. 16, 1963]

§ 49.4 Location of boxes and receptacles.

Mail boxes and approved sacks or satchels must be placed where they protect the mail and may be conveniently served by the carrier without leaving his vehicle. They must be located on the right side of the road in the direction of travel when required by traffic conditions or when driving to the left in order to reach the boxes would constitute a violation of traffic laws by the carrier. In such cases, patrons desiring service on both outward and return trips of carrier must furnish a box, sack, or satchel on each side of the road. [26 F.R. 11587, Dec. 6, 1961]

$0.00 to $10.00.

Fees (in addition to postage)

For articles

For articles also covered by

commercial or commercial or

other insurance

$0.60

not cov

ered by

other

insurance

$0.60

$10.01 to $100..

.75

..75

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Extra fee

(cents)

40

50

(a) What may be registered. All mailable matter prepaid with postage at the first class or airmail rate may be registered. Stamps or meter stamps must be attached to the mail representing all postage and fee charges. Business reply mail may not be registered unless postage and all fees are fully prepaid.

(b) Where to mail. Registration may be obtained by presenting mail to:

(1) Post offices and their branches and stations. Postmasters will accept mail of unusually high value only at the main office or the larger branches and stations.

(2) Rural carriers. Mail and cash may be left in a rural box, and the change, if any, will be handed to the sender or placed in an envelope and left in the box on the carrier's next trip. No responsibility is assumed for articles or money until a receipt is issued, or for any change placed in the box.

(c) Registration not available. Mail may not be registered if:

(2) Addressed to post offices to which it cannot be transported with safety.

(b) Fragile mail. The sender is required to tell the postal clerk whether the mail is fragile and to describe how it is packed if requested to do so.

(c) Official mail. Government agencies or officials must declare the value of the matter presented, so that it may be given proper care.

(d) Free registration. A declaration of value is not required on mail registered free under the provisions of § 51.6 (d) and (e). No indemnity will be paid for any matter registered free.

(e) Matter not having intrinsic value. Articles having no intrinsic value may be registered on payment of the 60-cent fee or any of the higher fees.

§ 51.5

Additional services and refunds.

(a) COD service. A combined registry and COD service is available. The regular registered mail fees apply plus a collection charge of 40 cents. The mail must conform with other registered mail requirements and also with Part 53 of this chapter, governing preparation for COD service.

(b) Return receipts. The sender may obtain return receipts by paying fees, in addition to the registration fee and postage, under the following conditions;

(1) At the time of mailing by informing the postal clerk or by writing on the mail Return Receipt Requested or Return Receipt Requested Showing Address Where Delivered.

(2) After mailing by request and showing registration receipt at the post office where the registered article was

No value or replacement cost if postal insurance coverage is desired.

Full value.

Market value or cost. Market value or cost.

mailed. The return receipt will not show the address where delivery was made.

(3) Return by air. The sender may obtain a return receipt by airmail if postage stamps to cover the postal card airmail rate are fixed to the return receipt and it is endorsed Return by Airmail.

(c) Restricted delivery. The sender may at the time of mailing direct that the registered article be delivered only to the addressee or to someone named by him in writing. This service is available only for articles addressed to specific individuals by name. An additional fee is required. The mail will be endorsed Deliver to Addressee Only or Deliver to Addressee or Order. After mailing and before delivery, the sender may direct such action by written order through the mailing postmaster. See also § 51.9(g).

(d) Refunds. Registration fees will not be refunded after the mail is accepted. Return receipt or restricted delivery fees will be refunded only when the failure to furnish a return receipt or to give restricted delivery was the fault of the Postal Service. Receipts for fees must be submitted with requests for refunds.

§ 51.6 Registration without prepayment.

(a) Official government mail. Official mail of Government agencies that periodically reimburse the Post Office Department for handling their mail, or that pay for mail services on a negotiated basis, may be registered without stamps affixed. See § 27.2 of this chapter.

Postal insurance coverage is not provided.

(b) Census mail. All mail relating to the census and addressed to the Census Office, or to any official thereof, that is endorsed "Official Business, Census Office" may be sent by registered mail without payment of a registration fee.

(c) Naturalization mail. All mail relating to naturalization, including duplicate papers required to be sent to the Immigration and Naturalization Service by clerks of State or Federal courts addressed to the Department of Justice or to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, may be sent by registered mail without payment of a registration fee, if endorsed Official Business.

(d) Diplomatic mail. Members of the diplomatic corps of the countries of the Postal Union of the Americas and Spain who are stationed in the United States may send correspondence by registered mail without payment of the registration fee. See § 27.5(a) of this chapter for preparation of such mail.

(e) Consular mail. Official correspondence may be sent by registered mail between consulates (consuls and vice consuls) of the countries of the Postal Union of the Americas and Spain stationed in the United States and by such consulates to the Government of the United States or to their respective embassies or legations without payment of the registration fee. See § 27.5(b) of this chapter for preparation of such mail.

(f) Currency for redemption. Currency sent to the Treasurer of the United States, Washington, D.C., for redemption, contained in letters or parcels with postage prepaid by the sender, and redeemed currency mailed to the Treasurer of the United States, may be sent by registered mail without payment of registration fee, under the following conditions:

(1) The contents must be exhibited to the postmaster and a list furnished giving a detailed description of the money. For currency, the serial number, series date, and denomination must be given. Coin need be described only by number and denomination of pieces.

(2) After the contents have been compared with the list and found correct, the letter or parcel must be sealed in the presence of the postmaster.

(3) The list must be left with the postmaster.

(4) No liability is assumed by the Postal Service. If coverage is desired, the regular registration fees must be paid for liability.

(g) Civil Service mail. Letters or parcels relating exclusively to the business of the United States Civil Service Commission, Washington, D.C., and addressed to the Commission by members of local boards of examiners outside Washington, are registered free.

(h) Postal Service mail. Official mail of the Postal Service which requires registration may be registered without payment of a fee.

[26 F.R. 11587, Dec. 6, 1961, as amended at 29 F.R. 2757, Feb. 27, 1964]

§ 51.7

Preparation for mailing.

(a) Conditions. Postal employees are not permitted to assist in the preparation or sealing of mail to be registered. The mail must bear the complete names and addresses of both sender and addressee. Envelopes or packages that appear to have been opened and resealed, or which are otherwise improperly prepared, will not be registered.

(b) Sealing. The sender must securely seal envelopes. Self-sealing envelopes are not acceptable. Do not place paper or cellulose strips or wax or paper seals over the intersections of the flaps where the postmark impressions are made. Wrap and seal packages with mucilage or glue or with plain paper strips. Packages containing currency or securities may not be sealed exclusively by use of paper strips, but must first be sealed securely with mucilage or glue.

(c) Registered COD. Registered mail to be sent COD must conform to the conditions in Part 53 of this chapter also.

(d) Window envelopes. Envelopes must have panels covering the opening. If transparent panels are glued to the envelopes, they may contain only matter without intrinsic value. If the panel is part of the envelope, the envelope may be used for all registered mail.

(e) Firm registration books. If an average of three or more articles are presented for registration at one time, the sender may obtain free from the postmaster firm registration books, Form 3877 (Firm mailing book for registered,

registered COD, and certified mail (20 entry)), which are to be used in accordance with instructions that will be given by the postmaster. These instructions will require that the mail be endorsed and numbered from a series of registration numbers that will be assigned by the postmaster, and that the sender also enter the particulars of the items on the firm bills in duplicate. One copy of the bill will be retained by the post office and the other will be receipted and returned to the sender.

(f) Return receipts and restricted delivery. Firm mailers, are expected to complete and attach the return receipt card, Form 3811, Return receipt registered, insured and certified mail, to the mail, and to endorse the address side of the mail to show the required official endorsement. See § 51.5 (b) and (c). If the mail is to be restricted in delivery, the words "Deliver to Addressee Only" should be shown in space 2 on the receipt side of the return receipt card.

(g) Mailing receipts. A receipt will be issued when mail is accepted for registration. If requested to do so by the sender, the accepting postal employee will show on the mailing receipt and post office record the time the registered article was accepted for mailing. For individual transactions, the receipt is prepared by the postal employee. When firm registration forms are used, the receipt will be postmarked and issued after the entries have been checked against the mail. A temporary receipt showing only the total number of articles may be issued.

[26 FR. 11587, Dec. 1961, as amended at 29 F.R. 2757, Feb. 27, 1964]

§ 51.8 Withdrawal or recall.

The sender may withdraw or recall registered mail without charge before its delivery under the following conditions:

(a) Before dispatch by writing on the receipt Withdrawn before dispatch, and signing and surrendering the receipt.

(b) After dispatch by filing at the post office where the article was mailed a written request for its return, giving names and addresses of sender and addressee, the registry number, and date of mailing. Costs of telegrams must be paid by the sender.

§ 51.9 Delivery.

(a) Procedure. The responsibility of the Postal Service for registered mail ends with its proper delivery. Mail for delivery by carriers is taken on the first trip after it is received unless the addressee has requested the postmaster to hold his mail at the post office. The addressee or person representing him may obtain the name and address of the sender, and may look at registered mail while it is held by the postal employee, before accepting delivery and signing the delivery receipt. Identification will be required if the applicant for registered mail is unknown. The mail will not be given to the addressee until the delivery receipt is obtained by the postal employee.

(b) Recipient. Delivery will be made in accordance with Part 44 of this chapter. Registered mail addressed to residents of a hotel or apartment house will be delivered only to persons designated by the management of a hotel or apartment house in an agreement with the Postal Service.

(c) When not delivered. The addressee may be required to call at the post office for registered mail if its delivery by a carrier would not be safe.

(d) Notice of arrival. If the carrier is unable to deliver registered mail, he will leave a notice. If the mail is not delivered by carrier, a notice of arrival will be issued through regular mail channels. If the mail is not delivered or called for within 5 days a second notice will be issued, provided the maximum period for which the mail may be held permits. No second attempt to deliver will be made unless the post office is requested to do so.

(e) Rural delivery. Rural carriers will deliver registered mail to the residence if it is not more than 1⁄2 mile from the route and if there is a passable road leading to it. Otherwise, the carrier will leave a notice in the box so that the addressee may either meet him at the box on his next trip or call at the post office for the mail.

(f) Star route delivery. Star route carriers will deliver registered mail if required by the contract, but delivery will be made only at the patron's box or along the route.