Direct mailers have been searching for even a shred of contentment since the most recent postal increase. It may be too much to think that the postal rate cloud has a silver lining. But, like a child’s security blanket, it could at least be flannel.
In other words, there’s hope. Let’s see why.
SOME FACTS
First class mailers will see major rate changes thanks to separate charges for postcards, letters, flats and parcels, as well as the elimination of automation carrier route discounts. On the positive side, depending on one’s view, these mailers get lower extra-ounce rates.
Regular and nonprofit standard mailers will have to deal with different rates for letters, flats, non-flat machinable pieces and parcels. While the enhanced carrier route and auto-basic discounts are discontinued, the cost to mail a five-digit automation letter is now less than the enhanced carrier route line of travel rate. Destination delivery unit drop shipments for letters have been dropped as well.
Standard mailers won’t get any solace from the following, either:
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Non-machinable letters. A separate rate category, and generally more expensive than the machinable rate with a surcharge.
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Flats. Tougher machinable requirements, including uniform thickness and flexibility.
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Automation flats. Additional tests and more format restrictions related to size and deflection/droop.
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Flats not qualifying for automation could be classified as non-automation flats, resulting in a larger than average boost in postage costs.
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Non-flat machinable. A new category, one step below parcel rates, with exacting size requirements and a 5-cent surcharge for non-barcoded pieces, except at the five-digit sort level.
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