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MailPro
News for Mailing Professionals

Customers interested in pursuing International Mail business options can contact USPS Global Business Management Executive Director Frank Cebello at frank.a.
cebello@usps.gov.

a 20-pound weight limit for Priority Mail International

Flat Rate Boxes. Tracking information will be available. Limited insurance coverage is included on Priority Mail International items with the exception of the Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelope where Registered Service will be available at the mailer’s option.

First-Class Mail International

This service provides a reliable and economical means of sending correspondence (letters and postcards), documents and lightweight merchandise weighing up to 4 pounds. Extra services, such as registered and return receipt, may be added on a country-specific basis. See individual country listings in the IMM.

Extra Services

With the exception of the elimination of Recorded Delivery service, the structure of extra services (formerly special services) available with international mailings will remain the same.

International Priority Airmail

International Priority Airmail (IPA) is a bulk mailing service for First-Class Mail International items with average delivery times of 3-7 days. Presort, nonpresort and drop ship discounts, as well as volume discounts for commercial customers who meet international customized mail program requirements, will remain available. Each IPA mailing must weigh a minimum of 11 pounds. A separate rate group is being established for Australia. In addition, IPA M-bag service is being introduced. M-bags are direct sacks sent to one addressee.

International Surface Air Llift

International Surface Airlift (ISAL) will continue as a bulk mailing service for items weighing up to 4 pounds with average delivery times of 7-14 days. Each ISAL mailing must weigh a minimum of 50 pounds. Presort, direct ship and drop ship discounts as well as volume discounts for commercial customers who meet international customized mail program requirements remain available. M-bags (direct sacks of printed matter sent to one addressee) may be sent using ISAL service. In addition, a separate rate group is being established for Australia.

M-bags

M-bags are direct sacks of printed matter sent to one addressee and are priced based on the weight of the bag and contents. M-bags travel by air transportation. Additional information regarding M-bags can be found in IMM 260.

For complete information regarding the international changes, go to usps.com/ratecase and click "Read about the International Mail Changes."

INTERNATIONAL MAIL FAQS

When do the international retail product changes take effect?

International changes will be implemented concurrent with the domestic rate change, May 14.

Where can I get more detailed information on the changes?

On the Internet at usps.com/ratecase, click "Read about the International Mail Changes."

Why are international retail prices going up?

The costs of doing business — for things like fuel, transportation, foreign delivery and utilities — have continued to increase. This is the first time since 2001 that we have proposed any restructuring to our prices. The Jan. 8, 2006, increase was implemented to meet an escrow payment mandated by Public Law (PL) 108-18. This increase for 2007 is needed to cover the increase in operating costs.

Why are changes being made to international
mail?

We are restructuring our products to better meet customer needs.

Are there any changes for international business customers?

A new Global Business team has been formed, consolidating all USPS international efforts in one unit — operations, transportation, finance, planning, information technology, account management and postal relations. Global Business will nurture commercial
relationships in the United States and abroad, including relationships with integrators and consolidators, for the benefit of our business customers. A key strategy of the new group is to expand areas where we have had great success in the domestic market, particularly worksharing, discounts and outsourcing.

What kinds of services have customers requested?

Customers have expressed the desire for clear and concise retail product options to choose from. They would like to have the same quick, easy and convenient shipping options that are available domestically. Also, customers have stated a preference for using the same USPS-provided packaging for both domestic and international shipments, free Carrier Pickup and better tracking and package visibility — all at the Postal Service’s competitive prices.