Each year, at least once per year, the USPS^® changes their rates and introduces new products and services. In 2013 the U.S. Postal Service “price change” took place on January 27, 2013.

Now that this rate change event is over, we wanted to be sure that you are aware of the key changes and updates that took place and how they might affect your business.

Below are just some of the many changes we feel you need to be aware of:

• Parcel Post has been renamed to Standard Post and is now only available at retail counters. Most shippers who use electronic postage, like Endicia, should now choose Parcel Select as a replacement service.
• First-Class Mail International Parcel (FCMIP) has been renamed and is now known as First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS). The good news here is that Commercial Base and Commercial Plus discounted pricing tiers now exist for FCPIS and ALL Endicia customers will receive Commercial Base pricing automatically.
• Shippers can now include the value of their First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS) toward their International Commercial Plus pricing qualification status.
• The threshold for free Express Mail International USPS insurance has increased from $100 in value to $200.
• The price of a one-ounce First-Class Mail stamp increased one penny, from $0.45 to $0.46. The additional ounce rate did not change. It remains at $0.20 per each additional ounce.

If you are interested in learning more about these, and other changes that took affect on January 27, be sure to watch our on-demand webinar titled “Understanding the 2013 Postal Service Price Change”. This webinar was designed specifically for Endicia customers but is open to anyone who would like more information about the USPS price change.

Also, be sure to check our other on-demand webinar titled “How to Manage Rising Shipping Costs: Tips for small to medium sized businesses”. This webinar will demonstrate the advantages and differences between the U.S. Postal Service and the private carriers based on several factors, including pricing, for both domestic and international shipments. This webinar is designed for any small-to-medium sized business person who wants to learn more about their shipping choices.

Back to Winter 2013 Newsletter »