Machinable Parcel?

Question

Why is it called machinable?
Thanks

And what does D.M.M stand for?
Thanks again

Answer 1

Because the Postal Service can sort it with machines, mechanically, and don't have to sort it by hand.

"USPS categorizes parcels into one of three mail processing categories: machinable, irregular, or outside parcel."

"Some parcels may be successfully processed on BMC parcel sorters even though they do not conform to the general machinability criteria in 1.5.1. The manager, BMC Operations, USPS Headquarters (see 608.8.1 for address) may authorize a mailer to enter such parcels as machinable parcels rather than irregular parcels if the parcels are tested on BMC parcel sorters and prove to be machinable."

"Physical Standards", USPS : http://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm300/401.htm

"The Postal Service proposes revisions to the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) that would centralize the processing of requests for parcel testing. Such testing is requested to determine if the parcels can be successfully processed on bulk mail center (BMC) parcel sorters when they do not conform to the general machinability criteria in the
DMM. Under this proposal parcel testing would no longer be performed by the BMC manager. It would be performed by the Manager, BMC Operations, USPS Headquarters."

"POSTAL SERVICE : Machinable Parcel Testing Changes" : http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-3657.htm

(Are you unable to use Google for some reason or another?)

Answer 2

Delivery firms and state postal operators on almost every continent have rushed to adopt their own version. A parcel is a package bearing the name and address of the recipient in order to be routed through the services of the postal service or by express package delivery service to the recipient. The size can range from a standard mail package to a box large enough to protect what you send, up to a size that can be transported in a wheelbarrow. Nowadays parcels often wear a barcode so they can be tracked all the stages until the reception by the final recipient.