Size matters, so does shape under new postal rates

[DeepModem Mom]

CNN/AP: Size matters, so does shape under new postal rates
May 13, 2007


The new forever stamp will remain valid regardless of any future price increase.

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (AP) -- The postal rate increase that kicks in Monday is shaping up to be a big headache for many businesses.

Many companies say they are confused and frustrated as they try to adjust to the new rules, and some say mailings could be severely curtailed due to higher postage costs.

The new regulations mean larger envelopes and packages will automatically cost more than smaller mail. Currently, postage is determined by weight, unless it's an especially large or odd-shaped package that warrants special handling.

If your solution come Monday is to stuff the same amount of material into a smaller envelope, the Postal Service could get you there, too: There are new thickness restrictions.

For first-class, letter envelopes, the allowed thickness is a quarter inch. If you go over a quarter inch, you run into more costly large envelope or parcel rates.

Postal Service spokesman Dave Partenheimer said the new rates take shape into account because it requires more effort to process a larger piece of mail.

"Before, thickness didn't matter," he said. Now, "thickness does come into play. If it gets too thick you create a new shape."...

***

Details of the new rates are available at www.usps.com or [phone].

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/05/13/mail.shape.ap/index.html

[w4rma]

1. It is my understanding that the Postal Service doesn't need this extra money to stay open. (nt)

[yorkiemommie1]

2. i was really surprised when i tried to mail a square greeting card

and it came back for extra postage.

[DeepModem Mom]

5. Isn't this going to get really complicated, for both mailers and postal employees? nt

[Berry Cool]

3. So, what they're saying is, it's not just length in inches that counts,

it's dimension?

Wow. Never heard that one before.

[DeepModem Mom]

4. Berry...

:blush:

[soothsayer]

6. It's cuz the mail needs to fit thru automated sorting equipment, otherwise

it has to be hand processed.