Clarification
In the May edition of the Retail Coaches Corner (Postal Bulletin 22101, pages
88-89), a graphic depicting Parcel Post Oversized Rate and footnote information
about measuring parcels were inadvertently omitted. Below and on the following
page is the correct information.
How do you establish an oversized parcel?
Regardless of weight, a parcel that measures more than 108 inches but not more
than 130 inches in combined length and girth must pay the surcharge at the oversized
rate. The oversized surcharge applies to Parcel Post items (not Priority Mail).
Priority Mall and Parcel Post Balloon Rate If:
- Weight less than 15 pounds and
- Length plus girth combined is more than 84 but not more than 108 Inches
Nonmachinable Surcharge: No
Balloon Rate: Yes
Oversized Rate: No
Parcel Post Oversized Rate If:
- Length plus girth combined is more than 108 but not more than 130 Inches
The nonmachinable surcharge does not apply to the oversized rate or pieces
with special handling fee.
Nonmachinable Surcharge: No
Balloon Rate: No
Oversized Rate: Yes
Example of rate difference
- A 4-pound Priority Mail parcel (Zone 8) measuring 18" x 16" x 16"
(82" combined length + girth) costs $10.35. (No balloon rate surcharge
should be applied)
- By adding 4" to the girth (18" x 17" x 17" = 86"
combined length and girth), the package should be assessed the 15-pound balloon
rate surcharge at $27.80. This is calculated at a 15-pound Priority Mail parcel
destined to Zone 8.
- That's a $17.45 difference and a revenue loss to the USPS if the customer
isn't charged the balloon rate surcharge.
Measuring parcels
For parcels, length is the measurement of the longest dimension and the girth
is the measurement around the thickest part (perpendicular to the length). Below
are examples of measuring parcels.
Example 1:
Length = 10”
Girth (8 + 5 + 8 + 5) = 26
Length + Girth = 36”
Example 2:
Length = 20"
Girth (6 + 6 + 6) = 18"
Length + Girth = 38"
Measurement
Length + Girth
Weight
Maximum
108 inches'
70 pounds
1. Except for Parcel Post, no mailpiece may measure more than 108 inches in
length and girth combined Parcel Post pieces measuring over 108 inches but not
more than 130 inches in combined length and girth are mailable at the applicable
oversized rates (R700).
Questions or comments? Submit them via e-mail to Retail Coaches Corner.
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