USPS – countdown to new international mailing
The U.S. Postal Service’s most familiar and trusted mail products — Express Mail, Priority Mail and First-Class Mail — are going international starting May 14, 2007.
To make it easier for customers to mail letters and packages worldwide, the Postal Service (USPS) has simplified the eight main International Mail products into four: Global Express Guaranteed, Express Mail International, Priority Mail International and First-Class Mail International.
“Our customers have more international connections than ever before,” said Anita Bizzotto, chief marketing officer and executive vice president. “We’re giving them quick, easy international mail connections too, whether they’re shipping to a business or family and friends.”
Another simplification for customers comes in packaging. Also effective May 14, mailers can use the same Priority Mail and Express Mail packaging whether they are shipping within the United States or to another country. And as always, the packaging supplies are available free of charge from USPS.
“When you send Priority Mail or Express Mail, the Postal Service provides the same top-notch service whether it’s shipped from Colorado to Connecticut or from California to China,” said Bizzotto. “It makes sense to use the same packaging for both domestic and international shipping.”
Other changes to make international mailing easy for customers are:
The same flat-rate packaging already popular for domestic shipping can now be used for international mailing.
Online tools now combine a mailer’s customs form and address label into one, easy-to-complete document.
Discounts are available for postage purchased online using Click-N-Ship at usps.com or through authorized PC postage vendors. Online customers also can request Free Package Pickup for most International Mail services.
The following table shows the new International Mail product simplifications.
Current International Mail Products New International Mail Products
Effective May 14, 2007
Global Express Guaranteed (document)
Global Express Guaranteed (non-document) Global Express Guaranteed
Global Express Mail Express Mail International
Global Priority Mail
Airmail Parcel Post
Economy Parcel Post Priority Mail International
Airmail Letter Post
Economy Letter Post First-Class Mail International
Along with the product changes, USPS has restructured International Mail prices. The cost to mail a letter to Canada or Mexico will change from 63 cents to 69 cents. For a complete listing of new prices, go to: usps.com/ratecase and select “New International Rates, Fees and Country Listing.”
In addition to the new International Mail options available for customers at post offices and online through usps.com, business customers may negotiate customized, flexible international shipping solutions based on the Postal Service’s International Customized Mail agreements.
