January 2019 USPS Rate Hike

[natsb88]

Yesterday the Postal Regulatory Commission approved the proposed 2019 rate changes. The new rates start 1/27/19.

Select Market Dominant First-Class Mail rates will change as follows:

Product - Old Rate - New Rate

Forever Stamp - 50 cents - 55 cents
Metered Letter - 47 cents - 50 cents
Additional Ounce - 21 cents - 15 cents

Select Competitive Product rates affected by the rate adjustment include:

Product: Priority Mail - Old Rate - New Rate

Retail Small Flat Rate Box - $7.20 - $7.90
Retail Medium Retail Flat Rate Box - $13.65 - $14.35
Retail Large Flat Rate Box - $18.90 - $19.95
Retail Large Flat Rate Box APO/FPO/DPO - $17.40 - $18.45
Retail Regular Flat Rate Envelope - $6.70 - $7.35
Retail Legal Size Flat Rate Envelopes - $7.00 - $7.65
Retail Padded Flat Rate Envelopes - $7.25 - $8.00

https://www.prc.gov/press-releases/prc- ... ducts/4536

[Thogey]

I wonder if usps knows that a small FRB fits inside a small flat rate envelope?

[natsb88]

I wonder if usps knows that a small FRB fits inside a small flat rate envelope?

There's also a box one notch bigger than a SFRB that happens to fit very nicely inside the padded flat rate envelope.

[highroller4321]

No first class increases?

[coppernickel]

I wonder if usps knows that a small FRB fits inside a small flat rate envelope?

There's also a box one notch bigger than a SFRB that happens to fit very nicely inside the padded flat rate envelope.

There is a quote about making something idiot proof . . .

[natsb88]

No first class increases?

Stamps going up:

Select Market Dominant First-Class Mail rates will change as follows:

Product - Old Rate - New Rate

Forever Stamp - 50 cents - 55 cents
Metered Letter - 47 cents - 50 cents
Additional Ounce - 21 cents - 15 cents

And First Class Package is moving to zone-based rates

[NDFarmer]

I wonder if usps knows that a small FRB fits inside a small flat rate envelope?

Actually two small FRB's fit inside the padded flat rate envelope. I haven't tried sending one yet. I think you would want quite a bit of tape around the outside of the envelope, almost like taping up a MFRB. I don't know how much tape they will allow on the outside of the envelope. But I think I am going to try it and see if they accept it.

[natsb88]

I wonder if usps knows that a small FRB fits inside a small flat rate envelope?

Actually two small FRB's fit inside the padded flat rate envelope. I haven't tried sending one yet. I think you would want quite a bit of tape around the outside of the envelope, almost like taping up a MFRB. I don't know how much tape they will allow on the outside of the envelope. But I think I am going to try it and see if they accept it.

Last time I searched the DMM, the only official rules on tape were that the self-adhesive flap must be the primary means of closure and you can't use tape to change the shape or size of the flat rate packaging. They also typically want the "Flat Rate" lettering visible somewhere, which isn't a problem if you are using clear packing tape.

Unofficially, they may give you a hard time , but it should be acceptable.

[chris6084]

No first class increases?

Stamps going up:

Select Market Dominant First-Class Mail rates will change as follows:

Product - Old Rate - New Rate

Forever Stamp - 50 cents - 55 cents
Metered Letter - 47 cents - 50 cents
Additional Ounce - 21 cents - 15 cents

And First Class Package is moving to zone-based rates

Ah back to the zone-based rates. That's how it used to be back in the day when you had to hand write the address on each package and stand in line at the post office. I had to have the rate chart and zone chart by my computer to calculate postage!