Mailers Told To Keep Using “Standard Mail” In Indicia Until 2018

The USPS announced the following phased transition for Marketing Mail:

In January 2017, Standard Mail^® will undergo a name change and be rebranded as USPS Marketing Mail™. It is expected that this name change will better communicate to mailers how this mail class can be used. In response to feedback from the mailing community, we are implementing this change in a phased transition period to allow both hardware and software changes to be implemented successfully.

• The new indicia and/or postage markings should not be used for letter or flat mail until January 2018 at the earliest.
• Tray label and pallet markings will be deferred until mid-2017 at the earliest.

Other types of changes, such as changes to postage statements and forms, can move forward with the January 2017 price change. This phased transition period will allow both hardware and software changes to be implemented successfully. A schedule will be published in early 2017 to assist mailers with implementation.