Keep the date 1/27/2013 in mind. On this day, the U.S. Postal Service will make several changes to Mailing Services prices and mailing standards. Below is a summary of the changes in prices that will occur:
- Single-piece, 1-ounce First-Class Mail letters will increase 1 cent to 46 cents (additional ounces remain at 20 cents).
- The price for mailing a First-Class Mail postcard will increase by 1 cent to 33 cents and the cost of a stamped postcard will increase by 2 cents to 37 cents.
- All presort letters and cards, standard mail, and periodicals will have an average increase in price of 2.6%.
Another major change taking place within the Postal Service is the transition from the POSTNET barcode to the Intelligent Mail barcode. In essence, mailers must move to this system to receive the lowest automation discount price, address correction for full-service mailpieces and visibility into their mailings. While this has the biggest effect on the mailers themselves, it also affects the layout of the design and the envelope used in a standard letter. The Intelligent Mail barcode itself is bigger than the POSTNET barcode, so be prepared to format to fit the larger window.
Regular windows are (4.5”x1.125”) while IMB windows are (4.5”x1.4375”).
POSTNET barcode
Intelligent Mail barcode
For other changes made by the Postal Service, check out these articles:
When Tabs Matter Most
Tip of the week: Be Warned of Changes in Postal Regulations
gofranklingo
And, keep in mind that for automated first class letters, the second ounce is still free.