Tag: North America

USPS regulation changes in the Spring of 2007 will be transforming the mail preparation method once again. In 1996, Mail Classification Reform was implemented, with new categories and mail classes introduced to meet customers’ needs and simplify postal operations. These categories described the type of communication, delivery speed and the extent of sorting. The cost structure for these various services encouraged mailers to prepare proper addresses, use barcodes and presort their mailpieces for faster processing and lower costs. Mailers who were running the most efficient mailing operation possible were able to save more on postage with worksharing discounts and smart addressing.

With the upcoming 2007 Rate Case, the Postal Service will be placing more emphasis on mailpiece shape in setting new rates. 2007 rates have not been finalized at this time, and mailers are still in the dark as to what the final new qualification and preparation rules will be. It is more critical than ever for mailers and shippers to rethink their packaging choices, and to make changes to current systems to maximize efficiency.

Preparation is key, but that doesn’t mean that mailers will have to spend more time on manual labor, if they utilize the right software. The need for quality mailing software has increased dramatically over the last several years, and will continue to do so with future rate cases planned by the USPS. Mailing software that manages all postage payment methods, reduces labor, and increases transactional speed and accuracy is no longer a luxury, but now necessary to help organizations avoid the profit leaks that can compromise successful businesses.

The U.S. Postal Service has updated its proposed mailing standards to accompany the price change proposal currently before the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). The revised standards, published at usps.com/ratecase, respond to the comments USPS received on the previous versions.

In addition to the updated proposal, the website highlights the earlier proposals and provides side-by-side comparisons of today’s prices and those that are currently under review by the PRC. The website also provides helpful information for mailers, including frequently asked questions, press releases, and Mailers Companion and MailPro articles related to the pricing change.