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Policy Change
Along with the increased rate for
first-class letters, the USPS has also
announced plans to raise the postage for
catalogs, magazines and priority post items.
These rate changes have been postponed to
allow time for a transitional phase and to
make final pricing decisions. Expect these
rates to increase—dramatically in some
cases—and possibly affect the future of bulk
mail items. |
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Invest In Forever
Another new addition to the Postal
Service policy is the creation of
Forever Stamps, designed to ease the
changeover period between future rate
changes. The stamps will provide postage for
all future one ouncefirst-class letters
regardless of the new rate. They will never
expire or decrease in value and will be sold
at the new first-class postage rate. The
Forever Stamp is the Postal Service’s way to
deliver convenience and value for its
customers. |
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New postage rates effective May 14, 2007 |
FIRST
CLASS MAIL
Letters, bill payment, greeting cards |
PREVIOUS RATE
$0.39 |
NEW RATE
$0.41 |
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WEDDING INVITATION (2-ounce) |
$0.63 |
$0.58 |
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POSTCARD |
$0.24 |
$0.26 |
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PRIORITY MAIL FLAT-RATE ENVELOPE |
$4.05 |
$4.60 |
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PRIORITY MAIL FLAT-RATE BOX |
$8.10 |
$9.15 |
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EXPRESS MAIL FLAT-RATE ENVELOPE |
$14.40 |
$16.25 |
| 1-LB.
PACKAGE |
$18.80 |
$19.50 |
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The USPS delivers
of the World’s Mail On an average day, the amount
of mail the U.S.
Postal Service handles
would circle the
globe three times. On
its very busiest days—
typically around Christmas—
that number increases to
four circumferences. In
fact, the USPS is responsible for delivering half of the world’s mail each day.
With all the workload, it’s a good idea to follow
these guidelines to ensure the safe and timely
delivery of your mail.
If you aren’t
familiar with all of the services
provided by the U.S. Postal Service, spend
some time on its Web site,
www.usps.com
and what you find may amaze you! The
self-supporting agency offers a variety of
shipping options and price points, some
nifty online services and guidelines on how
best to wrap packages for mailing, address
packages and cards and send
military mail. Some key points are
highlighted here. |
PACKAGES
• With multiple items in one box, put
heavier items at the bottom and place
packing around each one.
• For cushioning, use crumpled newspaper,
styrofoam peanuts, bubble pack, shredded
paper or plain popcorn.
• For hollow items, put cushioning inside
and out.
• Put an index card with delivery and return
addresses and a list of contents inside the
package—just in case.
• Use 2-inch-wide clear or brown packing
tape, reinforced packing tape, or paper tape
to seal the opening and reinforce all seams.
• Put glass in zip-top plastic bags, using
sealed-in air for added cushioning, then
wrap individually in bubble wrap.
• Packages are measured by adding length
plus girth. Anything over 130 inches, or
that exceeds
70 pounds, cannot be sent via U.S. mail.
• Packages with correct postage can be
handed to your mail carrier or dropped in a
blue collection box. |
CARDS
AND LETTERS
• Use a standard envelope size (3-1/2 to
6-1/8 inches high by 5 to 11-1/2 inches
long) to avoid a surcharge.
• A square envelope smaller than 5-by-5
inches or weighing 1 ounce will get a
surcharge.
• Order stamps online, by phone or with a
Stamps-by-Mail order form, delivered within
7 days.
• Print or type clearly, large enough to be
read at arm’s length. |
MILITARY
MAIL
• If mailing to Iraq, remember that mail is
subject to extreme heat. Do not package
items that melt, such as candles or
chocolates.
• Military mail postage is the same as
domestic postage. |
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