This post is an update to our previous post from October 8th, titled “The Intelligent Mail Barcode Explained“. Visit this link if you want to learn more about the Intelligent Mail Barcode.

Right now this new postal technology is available to mailers, but isn’t required to qualify for automation postage rates on letters and flats.

This requirement implementation was slated to become active January 2009. Postmaster General John Potter announced last week, however, that this date will now be pushed back to May 2009 based on public feedback.

Mr. Potter stated, “Many of you told us that January 2009 was too soon. We will propose a May 2009 implementation, concurrent with our next annual price change.”

One thing to note – the previous Postnet Barcode will remain eligible for automation prices until May 2010.

But we recommend you speak to your lettershop vendor about making the necessary changes to utilize this new barcode sooner rather than later.

Here’s additional info about the Intelligent Mail Barcode:

http://ribbs.usps.gov/onecodesolution/

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Tags: Intelligent Mail Barcode, Postage, Postal Rate Case, USPS

The United States Postal Service will be adjusting their postage rates on all mail classes on May 12, 2008. 

The rate increase is in accordance with the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act, which is the regulation of how the USPS adjusts their rate to compete fairly in the marketplace. 

In a nutshell, the adjustment is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the USPS states that all rate adjustments are at or below the rate of inflation.

Here is a recap of the new postage rates:

• The single-piece First-Class first ounce rate will rise to $0.42 for letters, $0.27 for cards, $0.83 for flats, and $1.17 for parcels. 
• The first ounce auto 5-d rate will be $0.324 for letters, $0.364 for flats, and $0.711 for parcels.
• For Standard Mail, the minimum per-piece rate for letters (auto 5-d, origin entry) will be $0.225 and $0.339 for flats.

If you want a PDF with full details, please visit:

http://pe.usps.com/2008_RateCase/Notice123/Notice123.pdf

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Tags: Postage, Postal Rate Case, USPS