Postal Rule Changes
Check our Postal Rule Changes page often to stay abreast of upcoming changes and their implementation.
Postal Price Change to take effect January 22, 2012
On January 22, 2012, USPS rates will increase an average of 2.13 percent. This includes average increases of 2.133 percent for First Class mail, 2.124 percent for Standard Mail and 2.133 percent for Periodicals.
More information may be found
here.
Complete details may be found
here.
New prices by mail category:
As always, if you have any questions, please contact us for more information.
CASS Requirement to show Suite Number modified
On June 10, 2011, the Postal Service announced a modification to the requirement to show the suite number on a business address. A delivery point barcode generated using the suite number may be used instead.
Mobile Barcodes (QR codes) may qualify for a postage discount
The Postal Service has announced a two-month period from July 1, 2011 through August 31, 2011, during which the use of a mobile barcode in the mailpiece may qualify the mailing for a three percent discount.
Full Intelligent Mail Barcode adoption postponed
The Recognizing ongoing concerns about mailers' readiness for broader adoption of the Intelligent Mail barcode, the USPS® has decided that automation discounts for mail with POSTNET barcodes will continue to be offered beyond May 2011. There is currently no set date for full implementation.
New strapping approved for bundles
As of March 14, 2011, the USPS determined that a new strapping with a transparency rating of at least 52 percent when tested using ASTM D1746 — 09, Standard Test Method for Transparency of Plastic Sheeting, methods meets all Postal Service readability requirements. This strapping is less expensive and more environmentally friendly than strapping meeting the previous minimum requirements.
New Deflection Standards for Flat-Sized mailpieces go into effect January, 2010 Current standards permit up to a 4-inch drop for pieces at least 10 inches long. The new standards will allow only a 3-inch drop for pieces at least 10 inches long. To check your mailpiece, place it on a flat surface with the long edge perpendicular to the edge and the short edge extending out 5 inches. The short edge of the mailpiece must drop not more than 3 inches below the surface on which the mailpiece rests. For more information, please see the USPS final rule Federal Register (74 FR 15380-15484), New Standards for Domestic Services.
New standards for letter-sized booklets go into effect September 8, 2009
On September 8, 2009, both the construction requirements and tabbing rules for letter-sized booklets will change. Booklets not complying with the new standards will not be eligible for machinable or automation letter prices. See the complete details of the new standards here: http://pe.usps.gov/FRN/Booklets.pdf
New address standards for Commercial Flat-Size mail.
We are still seeing flats that do not meet the new address standards. While the Postal Service has been fairly lenient in providing one-time exceptions, they are under no obligation to continue to do so. Penalties for non-compliance can be severe, ranging up to payment of full First-Class price for the entire mailing. If you have any doubts regarding the compliance of your mailpiece, please give us a call and we will be happy to check it for you.