2012 PRODUCT AND SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS
ADDING VALUE TO THE MAIL
The Postal Service launched several enhancements for business mailers Jan. 22, along with new prices for most USPS Mailing and Shipping Services.
MAILING SERVICES
One of the highlights is “2nd Ounce Free” pricing for mailers who use First-Class Mail automation and presort letters. They now can mail letters up to 2 ounces at the 1-ounce postage rate. 2nd Ounce Free pricing adds value for transaction mail customers ― particularly those who mail bills, invoices and statements. It’s ideal for adding marketing information or reply materials — or to upgrade to higher quality, heavier paper stock to help grab a reader’s attention.
After a successful incentive promotion in 2011, 2nd Ounce Free is no longer a limited time offer, but a new price for automation and presort letters (it does not apply to single-piece letters).
Other Mailing Services changes include a 1-cent increase to 45 cents in the price of a First-Class Mail stamp and a 3-cent increase to 32 cents in the price of a postcard. The additional ounce rate for single-piece letters remains unchanged at 20 cents. For PO Box customers, a new, shorter 3-month pricing option is being offered.
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Top and side loading Express Mail Flat Rate Boxes. |
SHIPPING SERVICES
In Shipping Services, the Express Mail Flat Rate Box has made its debut. The box provides the same “If It Fits It Ships” convenience of the popular Priority Mail Flat Rate packaging. It comes in two versions, side loading and top loading, with the same cubic measurement (.342 cubic foot). For domestic shipping, the price is $39.95. For international, up to 20 pounds, the price is $59.95 to Canada and $74.95 for all other countries that accept Express Mail International. Find out more at Express Mail Flat Rate on usps.com.
Overall in Shipping Services, Priority Mail prices increased by an average of 3.1 percent and Express Mail prices by an average of 3.4 percent.
Downloadable price files for both Mailing and Shipping Services are available at the Postal Explorer website, pe.usps.com. General information also is available at usps.com/new-prices.htm.
WHAT’S UP2012 NATIONAL POSTAL FORUM: CONNECTING AND COMMUNICATING
Featuring a keynote address by Postmaster General Pat Donahoe and sessions led by postal executives, as well as dozens of business sessions and workshops, the National Postal Forum (NPF) promises to connect mailers with information about every area of the mailing industry, including strategy, operations, marketing and technology. The NPF, the mailing industry’s premier educational event and trade show, will be held April 1-4 in Orlando, FL, at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center. It will provide participants several opportunities to hear about the state of the Postal Service and the mailing industry, and USPS plans for the future — all directly from postal executives. This year’s event will include executive briefing sessions during which members of the USPS leadership team will discuss a variety of issues of interest to business mailers. There also will be executive-led sessions on Intelligent Mail, global shipping, security, shipping and mailing, and technology innovations. The NPF focuses on four areas: mail creators/sellers/owners, mail preparers, mailroom managers and mailing industry professionals. More than 120 workshops will be offered, from introductory to expert levels. For the first time, the Mail Design Professional Course will be offered. The 8-hour course will be given over the forum’s four days. Once completed, participants may take an online exam to become a certified Mail Design Professional. In addition, attendees can receive USPS certificates for their workshop participation. The level of these certificates — bronze, silver, gold and platinum — is based on meeting requirements to attend a certain number of workshops. Platinum honors will be awarded for attending any 17 sessions — with the certificate to be signed by PMG Donahoe. The NPF includes the most extensive exhibits in the industry, and is the only one to feature the latest USPS technologies. The 2012 forum also will feature networking opportunities and include peer-to-peer roundtable discussions. Attendees who register now can take advantage of the $50 Early Bird Discount Registration. The discount ends Friday, Jan. 27. To register and for specific information on all the workshops and events, please visit http://npf.org/. NEW TRACING PRODUCT BEING TESTED
To make it easier for customers to track mail, the Postal Service is testing a First-Class Tracer at 50 retail locations in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. The Tracer uses scanning technology to let customers keep tabs on greeting cards, postcards and personal and business letters as they go through the mail stream. To use the Tracer, customers apply an adhesive barcode to the mailpiece directly below the stamp. Each barcode has a unique number that can be tracked on usps.com. The barcode also has a unique Quick Response code that can be monitored on smartphones or other mobile devices. The Tracer is being test-sold in two packages — a 5-label pack for $1.99, and a 10-label pack for $2.99. “The First-Class Tracer is an easy and economical way for customers to trace their First-Class Mail and know when it’s out for delivery,” said Gary Reblin, vice president, Domestic Products. |
