INSIDE THE 2017 POSTAGE RATES: USPS Files 2017 Mailing Standards Changes

We take you inside the upcoming 2017 rate and regulation changed with these excerpts from Monday’s USPS Federal Notice filing of new mailing standards.

The Postal Service filed its 2017 postage and regulation changes with the Postal Regulatory Commission last week, in which it targets January 22, 2017 as the day for new rates to take effect. This week the Post filed a Federal Register notice, including:

FSS Changes Overview

This current Federal Register proposal if adopted, removes all FSS-specific pricing structures from Periodicals, Standard Mail and Bound Printed Matter but leaves mail preparation requirements intact with a few updated requirements … (click to read more)

First Class Mail Overview

The USPS wants to 1) combine First Class letters and cards AADC and 3-Digit into One Combined Sortation Level and increase the weight standard from 3.3 to 3.5 ounces … (click to read more)

Periodical Changes

The Postal Service is proposing to eliminate the FSS-specific price structures for Periodicals Outside-County. FSS preparation will still be required … (click to read more)

Standard Mail Changes

The Postal Service is proposing to rename Standard Mail to “USPS Marketing Mail”. This name change will better communicate to our customers the message that Standard Mail fits … (click to read more)

Bound Printed Matter Changes

The Postal Service is proposing to eliminate FSS-specific price structures for Bound Printed Matter Flats. FSS preparation will still be required … (click to read more)

Standard Mail Sort Changes

The Postal Service is proposing combining AADC and 3 Digit Automation Sorts for letters into one sort level … (click to read more)

Reduce Simple Sample Tiers

There are currently six volume tiers for Standard Mail Commercial and Nonprofit Simple Samples … (click to read more)

Eliminate Standard Mail Flat Sequencing System (FSS) Pricing

The Postal Service is proposing to eliminate the FSS-specific price structures within Standard Mail and Standard Mail Nonprofit … (click to read more)

Increase Standard Mail Weight Break

The Postal Service proposes increasing the Standard Mail and Standard Mail Nonprofit Flats, Nonautomation Letters, and Nonmachinable Letters Piece Price Weight Break Structure from 3.3 ounces to 4.0 ounces … (click to read more)

Other Changes Ahead

The USPS is also proposing: : Collect on Delivery (COD) Redesign; Eliminate BRM Parcels Permit & Account Maintenance Fee; Eliminate QBRM Permit Fees; Implement a Simplified Approach for Shipping Services; Adjust Standard Mail Forwarding Fee to 2 Decimal Places; Money Order Redemption Period; Enterprise PO Boxes Online (ePOBOL) Payment Process Change; Federal Agencies Ordering Stamps From the Stamp Fulfillment Center … (click to read more)

For the complete the complete Federal Notice Filing, click here.