SO what's the deal with the new postage rates w/rt Deliv confirmation, etc?

Barry · May 12, 2007 1:44AM

The new USPS rates seem very convoluted, at least the way they present it, and finding things isn't easy.

In the past you couldn't use Delivery Confirmation w/First Class unless the envelope was 3/4 inch thick. Is this still true?

If so, if you're shipping a 3/4 inch thick envelope (such as a 000 bubble mailer,) does that qualify as a large envelope or a package?

coindeuce · May 12, 2007 1:53AM

Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation has always only been available on Priority Mail or on parcels. If you need a delivery confirmation on letters or large envelopes(under 13 ounces), you must send certified/return receipt.

fuzzball · May 12, 2007 2:20AM

<< Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation has always only been available on Priority Mail or on parcels. If you need a delivery confirmation on letters or large envelopes(under 13 ounces), you must send certified/return receipt. >>

Not true. They changed the rules to allow Delivery Confirmation on 1st class mail provided it was at least a minimum thinkness (don't recall if it was 3/8 or 3/4). I am not sure about Signature Confirmation.

-Fuzz

Barry · May 12, 2007 2:32AM

Fuzzball is correct, coindeuce. I've been sending 1st class 000 bubble mailers with Deliv Conf for a long time. They require(d) the envelope to be a minimum of 3/4 inch at its thickest point, so in went a single styrofoam butterfly with the coin to thicken it up. Cost was 14 cents when done electronically.

TwoSides2aCoin · May 12, 2007 2:35AM

<< Fuzzball is correct, coindeuce. I've been sending 1st class 000 bubble mailers with Deliv Conf for a long time. They require(d) the envelope to be a minimum of 3/4 inch at its thickest point, so in went a single styrofoam butterfly with the coin to thicken it up. Cost was 14 cents when done electronically. >>

I concur, there's a way to outsmart the fox.

Russ · May 12, 2007 2:40AM

<< If so, if you're shipping a 3/4 inch thick envelope (such as a 000 bubble mailer,) does that qualify as a large envelope or a package? >>

It's a package, $1.13 for the first ounce. Complete details are available at their site under the link "screw job".

Russ, NCNE

OPA · May 12, 2007 2:48AM

<< 

<< If so, if you're shipping a 3/4 inch thick envelope (such as a 000 bubble mailer,) does that qualify as a large envelope or a package? >>

It's a package, $1.13 for the first ounce. Complete details are available at their site under the link "screw job".

Russ, NCNE >>

MMmmm...that's not what I've been told by my local P.O. would qualify under the Large Envelope rate of $.80...

Russ · May 12, 2007 2:51AM

<< MMmmm...that's not what I've been told by my local P.O. would qualify under the Large Envelope rate of $.80... >>

Your local post office is wrong. If it meets the thickness requirement for del and sig confirmation, it's package rate.

Russ, NCNE

Russ · May 12, 2007 2:56AM

PS: The reason is because of the way the rule is written. Max thickness for large envelope is 3/4 inches. In the workshops that my local clerks attended, they were instructed to charge package rate because the assumption is that NOBODY is going to have a del/sig package that is exactly 3/4", no more and no less.

On my case, it's moot anyway. Any slabbed coin I ship is automatically over 3/4" because in addition to a bubble envelope, I also use a safety mailer.

Russ, NCNE

OPA · May 12, 2007 3:12AM

<< PS: The reason is because of the way the rule is written. Max thickness for large envelope is 3/4 inches. In the workshops that my local clerks attended, they were instructed to charge package rate because the assumption is that NOBODY is going to have a del/sig package that is exactly 3/4", no more and no less.

On my case, it's moot anyway. Any slabbed coin I ship is automatically over 3/4" because in addition to a bubble envelope, I also use a safety mailer.

Russ, NCNE >>

Russ..I just finished talking to P.O. Hq, & they confirmed that the bubble mailers (over 3/4") would fall under the heading of "large envelopes" & not under the Package rate & that the electronic delivery confirmation will be $.18. Electronic Signature confirmation will be $1.75....These rates are applicable for: First Class, Priority (Del. Conf. is free for Priority) & Packaging Services. 1-800-275-8777....
I for one, will use the "Large Envelope" Rate for my electronic labels on bubble mailers....

Barry · May 12, 2007 3:19AM

I guess the bottom line will be see if Deliv Cfm is an option with Large Envelope when printing Paypal's label with postage. I have a feeling Russ is correct (isn't he always when it comes to this kind of stuff?)

Russ · May 12, 2007 3:23AM

<< Russ..I just finished talking to P.O. Hq, & they confirmed that the bubble mailers (over 3/4") would fall under the heading of "large envelopes" & not under the Package rate >>

This was provided to my local postal clerks at the workshops they attended:

Russ, NCNE

BECOKA · May 12, 2007 3:24AM

I have always used electronic delivery confirmation on small bubble mailers using paypal. Mine definitely do not qualify as a package but as long as the system provides delivery confirmation I will use it. It does not hurt that it is automatic and mandatory for electronic first class.

OPA · May 12, 2007 3:47AM

Thanks, Russ... I've notices that a 1/4" in variation of thickness is allowed. As long as the bubble mailer is less than 1" thick, there should not be an issue as being mailed "Large Envelope." Jerry

OPA · May 12, 2007 3:50AM

Forget the above comment. Does not apply. Wrong envelope

OPA · May 12, 2007 3:52AM

I'll let PayPal decide what rate to use....It's obvious, even the PO HQ Staff is confused...

Michigan · May 12, 2007 3:53AM

Here are the rate changes and rules for the most commonly used USPS services.

1st class postage for packages: Large envelopes and packages will be
charged different rates than "regular" letters. Anything more than 1/4"
thick - which may include any coin with adequate protection - is
considered a package and will cost $1.13 for up to 1 oz. and 17 cents
for each additional ounce or fraction thereof.

Priority mail postage: The new priority mail rate for items weighing up
to 1 lb. and flat rate envelopes is $4.60. Flat rate boxes will be
charged $8.95 (USPS was quoting $9.15 but their web site now says
$8.95). If over 1 lb. and not in flat rate packaging, postage will
continue to be calculated based on weight and number of zones (a measure
of distance) crossed.

Insurance: A signature at delivery will now be obtained only for
packages insured for more than $200. Items insured for $200 or less
will only be scanned when delivered. A new form is being introduced for
the latter. It's similar to the old "blue label" form but has black
ink. Insurance will be less expensive than before for items insured for
more than $50 but not more than $200. The insurance fee will be $4.60
for items valued at more than $200 but not more than $300. Add $0.90
for each $100 of additional value. I've been told that insurance claims
can be filed online but haven't been able to verify that.

Registered Mail: Rates are going up. The value at which the registered
mail fee becomes less expensive than insurance will be above $1200 vs.
about $700 previously. Registered mail will be worth considering at
less than this break even point due to the added security.

Delivery and Signature Confirmation: Delivery confirmation for priority
mail will still be free, if you use the USPS web site to prepare a
shipping label. The "retail rate" will be 65 cents for priority mail
and 75 cents for packages sent by other means. The retail rate for
signature confirmation will be $2.10.

Media Mail (book rate): Postage will be higher for eligible packages
weighing 4 lb. or less. Rates for packages heavier than 4 lb. will
decrease a bit.

International Mail: Mailing services are being consolidated. Priority
mail will be available at $16 and up. Check the USPS web site for more
info.

--

OPA · May 12, 2007 4:38AM

Thanks...that clarifies things or does it?....USPS website...same as what Russ has, but review the definition of Large Envelope. I would say if it is less than 3/4" thick it can be mailed via the Large Envelope rate & not via the Package rate & I believe that you qualify for the electronic delivery confirmation rate if the package weighs more than one ounce.

USPS link]http://www.usps.com/prices/prices_shape.htm[/L]

OPA · May 12, 2007 4:43AM

Link [/L]

kranky · May 12, 2007 5:18AM

On a side note, I was at the Post Office today to renew my PO Box. There was a note in the box saying new box rental rates go into effect May 14; payments before then are at the old rate, and beginning May 14 the new rate will be in effect though it didn't say what the new rates were. I was glad that I happened to get there before the new rates are applied, so I got in line to pay my renewal fee.

The clerk asked if I could come back Monday when the new rates are in effect. (I'm thinking, duh, why would I want to do that?) I said I can't make it during the week so I'll just renew now. She went off to ask a manager something and when she came back she said she'd give me the new rate now since I can't come in during the week. I was getting a bit ticked off... until she told me the new rate is 19% less than the existing fee! They actually reduced the price.

LALASD4 · May 12, 2007 6:08AM

Large packages has to be rigid also to get del. con.

SO what's the deal with the new postage rates w/rt Deliv confirmation, etc?

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