The new standards seek to modernize our services, improve address quality, and reduce undeliverable-as-addressed mail. This includes low-cost OneCode Address Change Service (ACS), a new automated ACS option that allows us to note the incorrect address on a First-Class Mail letter (and in Fall 2007 also on Standard Mail letters) and electronically send the corrected address back to the mailer at a much lower price.
First-Class Mail letters using the new OneCode ACS™ option receive the first two notifications of an incorrect address at no fee, and after that at 5 cents each. Standard Mail letters receive the first two notifications for 2 cents each, and after that at 15 cents each. OneCode ACS requires the use of the Intelligent Mail® barcode (formerly known as the 4–State Customer Barcode). For more information, go to http://ribbs.usps.gov/onecodesolution/ or see “DMM Revision: Expanding the Use of Intelligent Mail Barcodes” in Postal Bulletin 22199 (2-1-07, pages 14–16).
The price for the traditional ACS electronic option for First-Class Mail has been decreased from 21 cents to 6 cents, and the price for all other classes of mail has increased from 21 cents to 25 cents. Manual ACS notification prices (for all classes of mail) have decreased to 50 cents.
A new forwarding service option for Standard Mail items has been introduced that will charge for the actual number of Standard Mail pieces forwarded and returned. This service would use electronic data to give ACS mailers an alternative to the current process that charges the “weighted fee” for the pieces returned (the weighted fee covers the postage for the forwarded pieces also). The new service would be available for mailpieces using the electronic option, or the new automated OneCode ACS option. This service will be available to customers through an approval process that ensures individual customer and postal systems can adapt to the new payment system.
Pricing of all Business Reply Mail (BRM) returns will be based on shape. In addition, there are increases as well as decreases to certain BRM per-piece fees. The BRM annual permit fee increases to $175, the annual accounting fee (account maintenance fee) increases to $550, and the QBRM quarterly fee decreases to $1,800. These new fees apply only to first-time payments and renewals. BRM customers with current annual and quarterly fees paid do not begin paying the new fees until it is time to renew.
Confirm® service enables mailers to obtain information about the status of their letters and flats in the mail processing system. The fees increase for the Gold and Platinum tier subscriptions and quarterly additional IDs. The fees for the Silver tier subscription did not change, but the charge for additional IDs has increased.
The Delivery Confirmation™ service fee is built into the price for certain Priority Mail and Parcel Select parcels and can be purchased separately for other packages. For First-Class Mail parcels and Package Services parcels, the retail option fee increases to 75 cents, and the electronic option fee is now 18 cents. For Priority Mail, the retail option fee increases to 65 cents, and the electronic option — including with Click-N-Ship® service — remains free. For Standard Mail parcels and NFMs, the electronic option fee increases to 18 cents.
The new pricing for insured mail keeps it reliable, easy, and affordable. All insured pieces will have a barcoded label and receive a delivery scan. A signature will not be required at delivery for insured items with an indemnity of $200 or less (insurance without a signature, formerly minimum insurance). Insurance purchased for more than $200, will receive a signature and scan at delivery (insurance with a signature).
The standards for filing an indemnity claim have also been updated to include an online claims filing process, initially for insurance purchased using Click-N-Ship service, or on eBay shipments.
The electronic option Return Receipt service fee decreases to 85 cents. Hard copy Return Receipt service requested at the time of mailing increases to $2.15. Return Receipt requested after mailing increases to $3.80. With the changes (noted above) to merchandise insurance, Return Receipt service can be added only to items insured for more than $200.
