USPS Offers 2nd Ounce Free
As of January 22, 2012, commercial mailers can add more to their envelope at no added cost. Under a new U.S. Postal Service program, organizations can send two-ounce First-Class Mail Presort and Automation letters at the one-ounce rate. With this free ounce, you can:
  • Realize more value from your mailings
  • Include more marketing inserts and special offers
  • Send announcements, surveys, notifications and reply cards
  • Communicate with better quality, heavier paper stocks and envelopes
This pricing does not apply to First-Class Mail single piece letters or residual single piece letters. For more details, read the 2nd Ounce Free Fact Sheet at usps.com.

Proposed Service Standard Changes
The U.S. Postal Service has filed a request with the Postal Regulatory Commission for an advisory opinion on proposed changes to mail service standards. The most significant revisions would eliminate the expectation of overnight service for significant portions of First-Class Mail® and Periodicals; however, there would be an opportunity for mailers who properly prepare and enter mail at the destinating processing facility prior to the day's critical entry time to have their mail delivered the following delivery day. In addition, the 2-day delivery range would be modified to include 3-digit ZIP Code origin-destination pairs that are currently overnight, and the 3-day delivery range also would be expanded.

These revisions would allow for a significant rationalization of the Postal Service's mail processing and transportation networks. For more details, please visit usps.com.

2012 shipping prices announced
The overall price change for all USPS Shipping Services will be 4.6 percent, with Priority Mail prices increasing an average 3.1 percent and Express Mail prices increasing an average 3.3 percent. The Postal Regulatory Commission will review the prices before they become effective Jan. 22, 2012, the same day Postal Service Mailing Services prices take effect.

An Express Mail Flat Rate Box and a new Package Intercept service are among the new products being launched. More.

USPS proposed January 22 price change
If approved, prices for most U.S. Postal Service mailing services will change on January 22, 2012. Highlights of the new single-piece First-Class Mail pricing include:
  • Letters (1 oz.) – 1-cent increase to 45 cents
  • Letters additional ounces – unchanged at 20 cents
  • Postcards – 3-cent increase to 32 cents
Prices also will change for other mailing services, including Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services and Extra Services. While actual percentage price increases for various products and services varies, the overall average price increase across all mailing services is capped by law at 2.1 percent, the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index. The percentage change by class of mail is as follows:
  • First-Class Mail (2.133)
  • Standard Mail (2.124)
  • Periodicals (2.133)
  • Package Services (2.133)
  • Extra Services (-0.663*)
The new prices were filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission on Oct. 18, 2011. The Commission has 45 days to review the prices to verify they comply with the overall 2.1 percent price cap for each class of mail. If approved, the new prices will go into effect on Jan. 22, 2012.

>Download a PDF of the complete proposal

Recap of Postal Service Revenue
So where does the U.S. Postal Service make money? Which services cost the most to deliver? How do these results compare with posts around the world? In the context of today's challenging business climate, the USPS has published a new white paper,
"Postal Service Revenue: Structure, Facts, and Future Possibilities," where they analyze the major components of the Postal Service's revenue structure as well as substantive product, business segment, and customer trends. The paper explores how the USPS can extract further value from its core business as well as future options and policy considerations for a new era.

Holiday Shipping Dates for Overseas Military Mail
With the holiday season fast approaching, the US Postal Service has provided key dates for anyone sending cards and packages to overseas military destinations. Deadlines for mailing to specific APO/FPO/DPO ZIP Codes vary according to the specific classes of mail being sent to them.

Mail Addressed To APO/FPO/DPO Express Mail Military Service First-Class Mail® Letters and Cards Priority Mail® Parcel Airlift Mail Space Available Mail Parcel Post®
AE ZIPs 090-092 Dec-17 Dec-10 Dec-10 Dec-3 Nov-26 Nov-12
AE ZIP 093 N/A Dec-3 Dec-3 Dec-1 Nov-26 Nov-12
AE ZIPs 094-098 Dec-17 Dec-10 Dec-10 Dec-3 Nov-26 Nov-12
AA ZIP 340 Dec-17 Dec-10 Dec-10 Dec-3 Nov-26 Nov-12
AP ZIPs 962-966 Dec-17 Dec-10 Dec-10 Dec-3 Nov-26 Nov-12

Limitations and restrictions may apply. Please check with your local postal official.

USPS proposes infrastructure changes
Faced with a massive nationwide infrastructure that is no longer financially sustainable, the U.S. Postal Service™ has proposed sweeping changes designed to save the organization up to $3 billion a year by cutting its network of processing facilities by over half and adjusting service standards. Proposals under consideration include studying nearly 250 processing facilities for possible consolidation or closure, reducing mail processing equipment by as much as 50 percent, dramatically decreasing the nationwide transportation network, adjusting the workforce size by as many as 35,000 positions, and revising service standards for First-Class Mail®. Learn more at usps.com.

Perspective on the future of the Postal Services
Pitney Bowes executive Vicki O'Meara reports that the Postal Service™ has lost almost $20 billion in the past few years, and is nearing the limit of its borrowing authority. All mail volumes have declined in this period, especially the lucrative First Class Mail® that provides the profits the Postal Service needs to fund its other products. In theory, the Postal Service could technically be bankrupt in the near future. But you can put all the apocalyptic language aside right now. The Postal Service is not going out of business, now or any time in the future. Read more.

Change in classification for commercial First-Class Mail® parcels
The Postal Service is introducing a new competitive product called First-Class™ Package Service. This service takes the place of First-Class Mail® commercial base and commercial plus parcels—which had previously been classified as market-dominant product offerings. First-Class Mail® retail single-piece parcels remain a market-dominant product offering and mailers can choose to mail eligible items weighing 13 ounces or less at retail First-Class Mail single-piece parcel prices. The Postal Service will begin to account for any First-Class Mail commercial base or commercial plus priced parcels as the competitive First-Class Package Service product on October 3, 2011. This change may impact First-Class Mail parcel mailers and shippers. PB postal expert Elizabeth Lombard provides all of the details.

Combined Mailings of Standard Mail and Periodicals Flats
The Postal Service is providing a new option for mailers to combine Standard Mail flats and Periodicals flats, when bundled and placed on pallets. This new option takes effect January 22, 2012.

Combined mailings enhance operational efficiencies by allowing mailers to place mailpieces in bundles on pallets that might have been placed in sacks if prepared separately. Mailers using this option may combine different-class mailpieces within the same bundle (comail), or combine separate same-class bundles (of different classes) on the same pallet (copalletize) to maximize presorting or to qualify for deeper destination entry discounts. All mailpieces prepared under this option are required to be bundled and placed on pallets

This option will not change current DMM content and eligibility standards applicable to Periodicals and Standard Mail. Mailers using this option will continue to be required to meet the minimum volume standards for Standard Mail of 200 pieces or 50 pounds. Other rules and restrictions apply. Mailers wishing to combine Standard Mail and Periodicals flats under this option will be required to submit a request for authorization, in writing, to the Manager, Business Mailer Support.

>Download PDF for more details

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