Updated at 8:37 a.m., Monday, May 14, 2007
New postal rates, 'shape-based shipping' start today
Advertiser Staff
The new postage rates, including a two-cent increase for a First-Class Mail stamp from 39 cents to 41 cents, goes into effect today.Perhaps even more significant is a new "shape-based" price system also going into effect today.
Shape-based pricing takes into consideration the shape and size of mail, not just the weight, reflecting the fact that the costs for processing and transporting letters, large envelopes and packages differs.
Over the next few weeks the U.S. Postal Service will have customer service specialists in the retail lobbies of selected O'ahu post offices to answer customers' questions about the new pricing structure on the following dates:
Today: Airport Post Office - 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Tuesday: Waikiki Post Office - 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Wednesday: Waipahu Post Office - 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Thursday: Downtown Post Office - 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Friday: Kane'ohe Post Office - 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Shape-based" shipping
Shaped-based pricing creates a more flexible rate system by giving mailers the opportunity to obtain lower rates if they find ways to configure their mail into shapes that reduce processing costs for the Postal Service and that helps to keep rates affordable for everyone.
For example, if the contents of a First-Class Mail large envelope are folded and placed in a letter-sized envelope, customers can reduce postage by as much as 39 cents per piece. If the contents of a First-Class Mail package are laid out to fit into a large envelope, customers can save 33 cents per piece. The Postal Service is also reducing the additional ounce rate today. As mail pieces become heavier, the new additional ounce price declines. For a two-ounce letter, the new prices will actually be lower — 58 cents —than the current price of 63 cents.
Tips:
In addition to the new domestic rates, changes will take effect May 14 for customers sending international mail. USPS has simplified its eight main international products into four: Express Mail International, Priority Mail International, First-Class Mail International and Global Express Guaranteed (not available in Hawaii). New packaging will allow mailers to use the same Priority Mail and Express Mail packaging for shipping both within the United States and to other countries.
For details of the International Mail changes, go to: http://www.usps.com/prices/prices_int.htm.
More information about the new rates can be found at www.usps.com/prices.
