As many of you I am sure have heard, there will be postal rate increase coming up, effective this May 12th. Some of the highlights are below in this email. For add’l rate information, check out the following USPS link:
http://www.usps.com/prices/welcome.htm?from=bannercommunications&page=prices
In add’n to this rate increase, there will be add’l changes that will be taking place later this year, and some of them actually will benefit you. Rather then get into in this posting of all the various changes and what I see the important trends taking place that pertain to you, for that would make for a a very lengthy posting, what I like to request to each of you is to PLS involve your mailhouses at the design phase of your mailings. These guys and gals can show you how to tweak your designs that will help you save tons of money, not just in postage but in many other ways as well.
To often, from what I see, mailshop portion for most mailings is an afterthought and by that time it’s too late. As a result, literally, thousands upon thousands of dollars is wasted year after year, not just in postage but many other ways too, which could have been easily saved. Plus, as these rates continue to rise, it’s becoming more and more crucial to involve your mailhouses at design phase.
In any event, here are some of the highlights that most of you will need to know.
The rate case, filed by the U.S. Postal Service earlier this month and expected to be approved by the U.S. Postage Commission, includes changes to all types of mail, including first-class mail, standard mail, periodicals, package services and special services. Some of these rates changes that will take place include:
Non-Profit Mail:
* Regular Letters: 0.8 percent increase
* Regular Flats: 1.2 percent decrease
* Nonprofit Regular Parcels and Non-Flat Machinable (NFM): 7.6 percent
increase
First Class Mail:
The cost of a first-class postage stamp will increase by one cent to 42 cents. Mailers can continue to use the Forever Stamps they purchased for 41 cents, even after the price change. The Postal Service has announced it will have 5 billion Forever Stamps in stock to meet increased demand before the price change.
The Postal Service also intends to change its pricing for shipping services, including Express Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Select and International Mail. Those changes will be announced in March.
As I learn more, I will be happy to share this information with you, in simple to understand language, without all the postal jargon. In the meantime, if any of you have any questions, etc. pls don’t hesitate to contact me. Thanks everyone.
Vinay 
