New postal shape pricing takes effect
SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY

Before you put information into an envelope for mailing, make sure it's going to conform to the new standards. By paying attention to a few minor details, such as the shape of the packaging (or envelope), you might save postage costs. For most of us, this means that a normal letter should go in a traditional letter envelope, not a large brown envelope with a clasp and gummed flap. The good news is that second- and additional-ounce mail will cost less than previously.

The new pricing for first-class mail puts an emphasis on shape to more accurately reflect the Postal Service's true cost of doing business. The shapes for determining price are postcards, letters, large envelopes (replacing the term "flats"), and packages. Pricing by shape aligns postal rates to processing and transportation costs. The new pricing system gives customers the opportunity to obtain lower rates as they find ways to prepare their mail in shapes that reduce processing costs.

The old pricing system did not take into consideration the size and shape of letters, large envelopes, and packages. Pricing was based strictly by weight and zone. The new system of pricing by shape does factor in the size and shape of an item by recognizing that each shape has substantially different transportation and processing costs. Emphasizing shape allows the Postal Service to reduce the rate for additional ounces.

Requirements that must be met for the different shapes include:

+ Postcards. The maximum dimensions are 4 1/2 x 6 inches and have a maximum 0.016-inch thickness.

+ Letters. The maximum dimensions are 6 1/8 x 11 1/2 inches, with a maximum thickness of 1/4 inch. The weight is not more than 3.5 ounces; letter size pieces weighing more than 3.5 ounces are charged as large envelopes. (Note that the traditional 9 x 12 inch envelope- with or without a clasp- now is considered a Large Envelope requiring additional postage.) If a letter exceeds any of the maximum dimensions, it is priced as the next shape price category.

+ Large Envelopes. The maximum dimensions are 12 x 15 inches, with a thickness of 3/4 inch, not weighing more than 13 ounces.

+ Packages. The length (longest side) and girth (the thickest point) combined cannot exceed 108 inches.

Nonmachinable letters include items that are rigid or contain odd-shaped items, such as keys, coins, pencils, pens; the delivery address is not parallel to the longest side of the mail piece; clasps, strings, buttons, or similar closure devices are used; or the item is enclosed in plastic material. A nonmachinable letter that weighs one ounce or less will be charged a 17 cents surcharge. A nonmachinable letter that weighs more than one ounce will be charged only 17 cents for each additional ounce.

For more information about postage fees related to the shape and size of your mail piece, visit www.usps.com.