FRONT PAGE
Extending Overnight Reach
For overnight shipping and mailing, think Express Mail
We’re building on Express Mail service’s built-in benefits.
The Postal Service is making changes and enhancements to Express Mail, and our top priority is extending overnight reach. We know you want overnight shipping to more destinations, so we’re working hard to give it to you. We’ve been looking at our network and figuring out where we can improve.
Express Mail already has plenty of advantages in the marketplace. When we deliver something, it goes in a mailbox, which is protected by federal law. We don’t have hidden surcharges for fuel, or Saturday or residential delivery — we already go to every address in the nation.
We’re the only company that delivers seven days a week. No one else delivers on Sundays, and some carriers don’t deliver on federal holidays like we do. Express Mail also includes a money-back guarantee, free tracking and up to $100 worth of insurance, all at no additional charge.
We use eco-friendly packaging, which also can be customized with logos for larger mailers. You can track the status of your package online. Express Mail also includes Proof of Delivery, with the recipient’s name and a copy of their signature, by mail, e-mail or fax — also at no additional charge.
You can even send overnight packages by Express Mail without leaving your computer. By visiting usps.com/shipping/expressmail you can order free shipping supplies, print shipping labels and postage, and schedule free package pickup from your home or office.
Advantage? USPS, of course.
New Prices Coming May 12
Postal Service will adjust prices for mailing services
Mailing services prices will change May 12. This includes First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services and Special Services.
The average increase by class of mail is at or below the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index.
The price for a 1-ounce First-Class Mail stamp will be 42 cents. There will be no change in the First-Class Mail single-piece additional-ounce rate. Shortly after May 12, a 62-cent stamp will be available for 1-ounce nonmachinable First-Class Mail letters, such as square greeting cards.
Pricing highlights also include a lower pound price for Standard Mail saturation and high-density flats, shape-based pricing for First-Class Mail International letters, flats and parcels, and First-Class Mail International price groups will expand from five to nine groups.
Go to the Postal Service website at usps.com/prices for all mailing services prices and links to downloadable pricing files and additional information. New prices for shipping services — Express Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Select and International Mail — will be announced in March.
Green Innovations
Creative solutions for reusable reply mail
To help protect the environment, the Postal Service encourages businesses to find creative solutions that help mailers “go green.” One business — MailAgain of Houston, TX — has been doing just that for nearly 20 years.
MailAgain has developed mailing technologies focused on providing reliable, cost-effective and USPS-approved solutions for reusable reply mail.
The company has several products that are either patented or patent-pending, including reusable courtesy reply envelopes, business reply envelopes and CD/DVD mailers. Each uses a “fail safe loop mail” design that allows the Postal Service to run the outbound and return portions on automation machinery.
Working with USPS Engineering, MailAgain obtained automation compatibility certification for its letter-sized CD/DVD mailers. And MailAgain’s design eliminates the need for adding separate address labels or tabbing, streamlining production and returns for its customers.
According to MailAgain, the company’s green solutions are easy to implement and offer operational savings to mailers, while helping conserve environmental resources.
WHAT'S UP
It’s Here To Stay
Premium Forwarding Service (PFS) now is a permanent offering. With PFS, all mail is forwarded, including magazines and catalogs. Mail is reshipped once a week to a customer’s temporary location for a fee. Expedited services mail such as Express Mail and Priority Mail, as well as Registered Mail, are forwarded separately at no extra charge.
“Premium Forwarding Service has been a big hit with our residential customers,” says Nick Barranca, vice president, Product Development. “For ‘snow birds’ and others on the move, it enables them to take a little piece of home along with them.”
Customers can enroll at the Post Office serving their permanent address.
Xtreme Performance
Planning to attend this year’s National Postal Forum? You can save nearly $100 on admission by registering before the end of the month. More than 7,000 industry professionals are expected to attend the mailing industry’s premier trade show May 18-21 in Anaheim, CA. The theme: “Go for Xtreme performance and feel the rush of high-velocity success in the mail.” The NPF features more than 140 educational workshops, special sessions and symposiums, as well as 13 business tracks and USPS Professional Certificate programs. The exhibit hall will feature the latest technology and innovations from 150 companies. In addition, NPF offers networking opportunities and special events.
For more information and to register, visit npf.org.
SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS
Stay current on latest innovations and best practices in mailing industry
 There’s no better feedback after a PCC meeting than a customer saying, “I understand it now,” because one of the most important things a PCC does is inform members about the latest services, products and requirements from the Postal Service, says PCC Advisory Committee member Steven Hernandez.
Postmaster Hernandez co-chairs the Austin, TX, PCC, which recently held an educational session on the Intelligent Mail barcode and new pricing. After the meeting, which drew twice the normal attendance, a customer commented, “I finally understand the new pricing regulations.” Hernandez says that’s a sure sign that a PCC is meeting the needs of its members.
“PCC members also want to stay up to date on the latest innovations and best practices in the mailing industry through guest speaker presentations and workshops,” he says. “They want to network with other mailers and mail service providers to take advantage of discounts, to lower mail preparation costs through best practices and, of course, to learn the secrets to a successful direct mail campaign.”
Hernandez says the customer relations coordinator in Austin and the PCC board are keys to success through their enthusiasm for educating the mailing community and always looking for future opportunities to share information on ways mail can contribute to business success.
“Stay in constant contact with PCC membership through e-mail, direct mail and phone contact,” says Hernandez. “Provide value-added activities like seminars, workshops and other meetings. Help your members stay current on the issues that affect them and the mailing industry as a whole.”
KEEPING POSTED
2008
- Comments will be received through Feb. 21 at imb@usps.gov on proposed requirements for using Intelligent Mail barcodes. For more information, go to Postal Explorer at pe.usps.com.
- PCC symposiums on Intelligent Mail: Las Vegas (March 6), Chicago (March 7), New York City (March 12) and Atlanta (March 13). For registration information, go to usps.com/pcc.
- The National Postal Forum is May 18-21 in Anaheim, CA. Go to the NPF website at npf.org.
INFO@USPS
Your Links To Mailing Resources
U.S. Postal Service: usps.com
National PCC Network: usps.com/pcc
Rapid Information Bulletin Board System: ribbs.usps.gov
Questions? Comments? Send an e-mail to pccinsider@usps.gov
Sign up for PCC Insider at usps.com/pcc, select "PCC Insider Registration"
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