39 CFR § 3010.151 - Notices and orders initiating proceeding.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t39/s3010.151"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "39 CFR § 3010.151 - Notices and orders initiating proceeding."
title_number: 39
title_name: "Postal Service"
section_number: "3010.151"
section_name: "Notices and orders initiating proceeding."
chapter_name: "POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION"
subchapter_number: "C"
subchapter_name: "GENERAL RULES OF PRACTICE FOR PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE COMMISSION"
part_number: "3010"
part_name: "RULES OF PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "39 U.S.C. 404(d); 503; 504; 3661."
regulatory_source: "85 FR 9620, Feb. 19, 2020, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "3010"
---


# 3010.151 Notices and orders initiating proceeding.

(a) Upon a finding that a matter is properly before the Commission, the Commission shall issue a notice and order initiating the proceeding to consider that matter. The rules in this section apply to all proceedings except for:

(1) Proceedings to consider certain negotiated service agreements, which are noticed pursuant to § 3010.152; and

(2) Proceedings to consider the appeal of a Postal Service determination to close or consolidate post office, pursuant to part 3021 of this chapter.

(b) The notice and order shall:

(1) Describe the general nature of the proceeding, *i.e.,* a complaint, a rulemaking, a change in rates, a change in the product lists, a change in the nature of postal services, etc.;

(2) Identify the person(s) requesting the initiation of the docket, if applicable;

(3) Refer to the legal authority under which the proceeding is to be conducted;

(4) Provide a sufficient description of the matter being considered such that the reader is informed of the substance of the proceeding, and provide direction as to where further information may be obtained;

(5) Establish the docket under which the proceeding will be conducted;

(6) Assign a Public Representative to represent the interests of the public, when required;

(7) Describe how interested persons may participate in the proceeding;

(8) Establish procedural deadlines, if known; and

(9) Include such other information as the Commission deems appropriate.

(c) For proceedings docketed for a hearing on the record pursuant to subpart F of this part, the notice and order shall also:

(1) Specify the date by which notices of intervention and requests for hearing must be filed;

(2) Specify the date, time, and place of a prehearing conference or first public hearing, if known; and

(3) Include the procedural schedule provided for under § 3020.110 of this chapter in proceedings to consider changes in the nature of postal services pursuant to part 3020 of this chapter.

(d) The document shall be published in the *Federal Register*.