OT: Postage Printing Options

[steve B]

Originally Posted by D. Bergin

It the package is rigid it qualifies for 1st Class Package rate instead of 1st Class Letter rate and the Delivery Confirmation can be added to it.

It's how I ship a good majority of my stuff.

That's what I thought before they returned the print. 9x12 photo mailer with two cardboard stiffeners. Way stiff enough to qualify as a package. But not thich enough for DC.

I see they've changed the rules since then. I did talk to a customer service rep in Providence by phone at the time and asked if it wasn't easier to handle a very stiff flat compared to a puffy bulged one. She agreed, but didn't offer much hope of a change.

From the DMM (section c I think is new)
11.2.2 Eligible Matter
[1-27-13] USPS Tracking/Delivery Confirmation service is available for First-Class Mail parcels and First-Class Package Service parcels (electronic option only); all Priority Mail pieces (at no additional charge); Standard Mail parcels (electronic option only); Package Services parcels, Standard Post parcels (at no additional charge) and Parcel Select parcels. For the purposes of using USPS Tracking/Delivery Confirmation with a Package Services or Parcel Select parcel, the parcel must meet these additional requirements:

a. The surface area of the address side of the parcel must be large enough to contain completely and legibly the delivery address, return address, postage, and any applicable markings, endorsements, and extra service labels.

b. Except as provided in 11.2.2c, the parcel must be greater than 3/4 inch thick at its thickest point.

c. If the mailpiece is a parcel under 401.1.0 and no greater than 3/4 inch thick, the contents must be prepared in a strong and rigid fiberboard or similar container or in a container that becomes rigid after the contents are enclosed and the container is secured. The parcel must be able to maintain its shape, integrity, and rigidity throughout processing and handling without collapsing into a letter-size or flat-size piece.


Good to know it's changed.

Steve B

[D. Bergin]

Originally Posted by steve B

That's what I thought before they returned the print. 9x12 photo mailer with two cardboard stiffeners. Way stiff enough to qualify as a package. But not thich enough for DC.

I see they've changed the rules since then. I did talk to a customer service rep in Providence by phone at the time and asked if it wasn't easier to handle a very stiff flat compared to a puffy bulged one. She agreed, but didn't offer much hope of a change.

From the DMM (section c I think is new)
11.2.2 Eligible Matter
[1-27-13] USPS Tracking/Delivery Confirmation service is available for First-Class Mail parcels and First-Class Package Service parcels (electronic option only); all Priority Mail pieces (at no additional charge); Standard Mail parcels (electronic option only); Package Services parcels, Standard Post parcels (at no additional charge) and Parcel Select parcels. For the purposes of using USPS Tracking/Delivery Confirmation with a Package Services or Parcel Select parcel, the parcel must meet these additional requirements:

a. The surface area of the address side of the parcel must be large enough to contain completely and legibly the delivery address, return address, postage, and any applicable markings, endorsements, and extra service labels.

b. Except as provided in 11.2.2c, the parcel must be greater than 3/4 inch thick at its thickest point.

c. If the mailpiece is a parcel under 401.1.0 and no greater than 3/4 inch thick, the contents must be prepared in a strong and rigid fiberboard or similar container or in a container that becomes rigid after the contents are enclosed and the container is secured. The parcel must be able to maintain its shape, integrity, and rigidity throughout processing and handling without collapsing into a letter-size or flat-size piece.


Good to know it's changed.

Steve B

Yeah, sometimes you'll get an overzealous clerk or postmaster who isn't aware of the actual rule and will squeeze you or your customer for the extra postage.

I had it happen once several years ago in the Philadelphia area when they rules were a bit more muddled and they charged my customer for a Priority upgrade.

Otherwise I've shipped thousands of packages that way with no problems.

I just try and make sure I get it over a 1/4" of an inch with the cardboard reinforcements.