New USPS rates effective May 14, 2007

This rate change is unlike any in recent years. The new United States Postal Service (USPS) rate structure puts a greater emphasis on size, shape and weight – while encouraging improved address quality.

On the international front, the new plan provides for the restructuring of a number of services, including the elimination of USPS international surface mail. Postal rate increases on a variety of services would range from 9% to 15% or even higher.

For domestic mail, key changes include:

A rate increase in almost every class of mail
In addition to weight, the rate structure places a greater emphasis on size and shape
A reduction in the cost of an “additional ounce” for First-Class Mail®
More affordable address update solutions
Worksharing (presorting) remains key to lowering your expenses.
Permanent flat-rate pricing for Priority Mail® envelopes and boxes.
New opportunities in barcoding and low-cost delivery confirmation services.

Overall, the USPS is looking to better align postal rates with the actual costs to process and deliver mail on a piece-by-piece basis. In basic terms, you will be given incentives to:

Create mailpieces that are compatible with the USPS processing systems
Improve address quality
Deposit certain classes of letters, flats and parcels closer to their destinations

Through these changes, both you and the USPS will benefit from a more efficient approach to overall mail preparation and delivery – one that will provide stability, value and added economies well into the future.

Find out how you can apply the proposed rates to your advantage.

Pitney Bowes Success Strategies: Practical ways you can save money — and add value to your business.
Get more details with our Rate Change Guide.
Print all of the proposed rate tables on the USPS® web site.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The USPS Board of Governors (BOG) has approved most of the rate changes that were recommended by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). All rate changes will go into effect May 14, 2007, except for Periodicals rates which will go into effect July 15, 2007. Still pending is the BOG’s request that the PRC reconsider its recommendation relating to Standard Mail flats. No date has been announced for that decision.