USPS Price Change: April 2011

On January 13th, the U.S. Postal Service® announced a price change that will take effect April 17th, 2011. The average increase across all mail classes will be 1.7 percent. While the April 17th U.S. Postal Service Price Change will be more straightforward than the January 2011 price change, there are still some very important changes that you should be aware of.

As always, DYMO Endicia will be supporting the new prices and will provide a free software update for all customers. Prior to April 17th, 2011 your DYMO Endicia® software will update to a new version that includes the new U.S. Postal Service prices. Please allow this update to be performed when you are prompted. If you have allowed the update, the software will use the old prices before April 17_th and will automatically switch to the new prices for all pieces dated April 17th or later.

In accordance with the Postal Law of 2006, the increases are limited to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) cap of 1.7 percent. This is the first U.S. Postal Service mailing services price change in two years. Prices for shipping services, like Priority Mail® and Express Mail®, will not change April 17th. If you are interested in learning more about the 2011 U.S. Postal Service mailing services price change, register for a DYMO Endicia price change webinar. For a complete list of prices from the U.S. Postal Service, visit www.usps.com/prices.

Prices will change for the following mail classes:

• First-Class Mail® letters greater than 1 oz. The price of a 1oz. First-Class Mail letter will remain unchanged at 44 cents
• First-Class Mail postcards
• First-Class Mail Large Envelopes/Flats
• First-Class Mail Parcels
• First-Class Mail International
• Standard Mail®
• Library Mail
• Media Mail®
• Extra Services

The U.S. Postal Service will be offering a Commercial Base rate for customers printing single piece First-Class Mail Parcel postage online. The U.S. Postal Service will reward customers for printing postage online and will discount this mail class from the retail rates. The Commercial Base rate will be supported through DAZzle, DYMO Endicia Professional and Endicia Label Server.

Postcards, letters, large envelopes (flats) and small packages can be sent using First-Class Mail®. This service is ideal for sending personal correspondence, handwritten or typewritten letters, and bills or statements of account. It may also be used for advertisements and lightweight merchandise. First-Class Mail prices are based on both the shape and weight of the item being mailed. For items weighing more than 13 ounces, use Priority Mail. Please note that First-Class Mail Parcels will now be offered at a Commercial Base discounted rate for single piece mailings. This discount is show in the First-Class Mail Parcel chart below.

*2011 Commercial Base prices are extended to non-integrated (DYMO Stamp and DYMO Endicia Printable Postage) postage prints. The discount will be indicated with the term “Commercial Base” on the postage print as shown here:

The following are descriptions for each classification of First-Class Mail:

• First-Class Mail Cards – rectangular cardstock mailpiece not contained in an envelope.
• First-Class Mail Letters – small rectangular mailpiece no thicker than 1/4 inch weighing 3.5 ounces or less.
• First-Class Mail Large Envelopes – flat rectangular mailpiece no thicker than 3/4 inch.
• First-Class Mail Packages – a box, thick envelope, or tube weighing up to 13 ounces.

Mail books, sound recordings, recorded video tapes, printed music, and recorded computer-readable media (such as CDs, DVDs, and diskettes). Media Mail can not contain advertising except for incidental announcements of books. The maximum weight for Media Mail is 70 lbs and no more than 108 inches in combined length and girth.

Parcel Post pricing has been greatly simplified. Most of the price cells will not increase on April 17th, and some cells will actually decrease.

Use Parcel Post when sending small and large packages, thick envelopes and tubes containing gifts and merchandise, delivery to all US addresses-including PO Boxes and military addresses, Saturday and residential deliveries at no extra cost. Package can weigh up to 70 pounds and measure up to 130 inches in combined length and distance around the thickest part.

Library Mail is only for items sent to, from, or between academic institutions, public libraries, museums, and other qualified organizations. Content is limited to books, sound recordings, academic theses, and certain other items. Library Mail can be up to 70 lbs and no more than 108 inches in combined length and girth.

Certified Mail is increasing $.05, from $2.80 to $2.85.

Pickup on Demand Service remains at $15.30.