Update (10/15/2009): We just got word that there will be no postage increase for direct mail in 2010. In the words of the USPS:

“Simply stated, there will not be a price increase for market dominant products including First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, periodicals, single-piece Parcel Post. There will be no exigent price increase for these products.

This is the right decision at the right time for the right reason. Promoting the value of mail and encouraging its continued use is essential for jobs, the economy, and the future of both the Postal Service and the mailing industry.”

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Since the wounds are still fresh from the May 11th 2009 postage rate increase, we wanted to sprinkle some potentially good news on the situation.

Dan Blair, chair of the Postal Regulatory Commission, recently stated that based on the current trend of inflation, the postage rate increase for 2010 would likely be less than 1%.

That being said, the USPS is allowed to file for an exception based on revenue shortfalls, but Mr. Blair said this is unlikely because they’re afraid it would drive more mailers from the system.

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Note: Are you looking for information on the 2010 postage rate?

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There will be a postage rate increase on all classes of mail effective May 11th, 2009.

The increase is actually at or under the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index.

Here’s a quick recap of the new rates:

Local Entry – 5 digit automated letter: $0.233
Local Entry – Non-profit 5 digit auto letter: $0.132

Local Entry – 5 digit automated flat: $0.346
Local Entry – 5 digit Non-profit auto flat: $0.212

You can also download the 41-page USPS price list here:

http://www.ballantine.com/2009-postage.pdf

If you have ANY postal questions, please contact Matt:
matt (at) ballantine.com

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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/