USPS utilizing new rate classification guide designed By Hasler

Since the launch of its new Shape-Based Pricing (SBP) initiative with the May 14, 2007 postal rate change, the United States Postal Service has produced and distributed over 200,000 official rate classification guides based on a design by Hasler, Inc. These guides, circulated to USPS Retail Associates in over 38,000 post offices around the United States, are used to simplify the process of calculating mailing costs under the new SBP regulations.

In order to better align the price of postage with actual processing costs, the USPS shifted from the use of a pure weight value to a size, thickness and weight combination when determining the cost of postage. Under these Shape-Based Pricing guidelines, it is now critical that a mail piece be measured and classified either as a letter, flat or parcel, to ensure the proper postage value is applied. Hasler, in order to help its customers better understand and take advantage of the new mailing rates, designed a Shape-Based Pricing sorting device that efficiently categorizes the mail under the new regulations. The guide contains the size measurements and thickness slots necessary to allow a mail piece to be correctly sorted as a letter, flat, or parcel.

The new rate guide is a handy, must-have tool that will greatly facilitate the job of pricing for the Retail Associates. Hasler has already produced both hard cardboard and sturdy, self-standing acrylic versions that are available to its dealer network and its customers throughout the United States.