The Postal Service continues to maintain a strong presence in the international shipping market. Bilateral agreements negotiated with other postal administrations, individual contracts, and streamlined product offerings appealed to customer needs and service expectations.
Global Express Guaranteed (GXG) is the premium international Postal Service shipping option, with international transportation and delivery provided by FedEx. GXG offers reliable, high-speed, date-certain delivery, within 1 to 3 business days to over 190 countries, with a money-back guarantee (some restrictions apply). For almost all network destinations, liability insurance is provided for lost or damaged shipments. Since the alliance with FedEx was formed in 2004, GXG volume has almost doubled. The Postal Service alliance with FedEx was extended for a 5-year term, building on accomplishments of the initial agreement, which combine the resources of both organizations to provide customers with world-class quality and value. GXG customers receive a 10 percent discount for commercial base prices when postage is paid online at usps.com, with information-based indicia (IBI) metering systems, or through authorized PC Postage vendors.
Express Mail International provides reliable delivery within 3 to 5 business days on average to over 190 countries. It features tracking and insurance up to $100 at no additional charge. Customers receive an 8 percent discount for commercial base prices when postage is paid online at usps.com, with information-based indicia (IBI) metering systems, or through authorized PC Postage vendors. Also, customers who pay postage by permit imprint and use authorized mail preparation software receive an 8 percent published discount off retail rates. Discounts of 8, 10, or 12 percent are also available for high-volume customers using Express Mail Corporate Accounts and permit imprint manifest mailing system software from the Postal Service. The same Postal Service-provided Express Mail packaging used domestically can also be used for international shipping, including the Express Mail flat-rate envelope. Express Mail International With Guarantee service — which offers a date-certain, postage-refund guarantee — is available to Australia, China, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Hong Kong, Japan, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), and Spain.
Priority Mail International is available to over 190 countries and offers delivery within 6 to 10 business days on average. Customers receive a 5 percent discount when postage is paid online at usps.com, with information-based indicia (IBI) metering systems, or through authorized PC Postage vendors. Also, customers who pay postage by permit imprint and use authorized mail preparation software receive a 5 percent published discount off retail rates. The same Postal Service-provided Priority Mail packaging used domestically can also be used for international shipping, including the flat-rate envelope and boxes. Tracking is available to major destinations. Limited indemnity is provided at no additional charge for parcel shipments and insurance is available for a fee.
First-Class Mail International is a reliable and economical means of sending correspondence, documents, and lightweight merchandise weighing up to 4 pounds. There are separate prices for letters, large envelopes, and packages.
These two services meet the needs of international business mailers requiring services that are both reliable and more economical than First-Class Mail International service. The number of country price groups changed from 9 to 15 — including 10 “country-specific” groups, and 5 multiple-country price groups. Mailer presort and dropship requirements were revised to encourage greater consolidation.
International Direct Sacks (M-bags) are sacks of printed matter and non-dutiable merchandise sent to one addressee with weight-based prices.
Two additional types of Global Expedited Package Services (GEPS) contracts were added — GEPS Metro and International Service Center Drop Ship. These agreements offer discounts that reflect lower transportation costs than the traditional contract. GEPS Metro is for customers entering mail at an approved business mail entry unit within 200 miles of an ISC. ISC Drop Ship is for customers transporting expedited shipments directly to one of five ISCs. Additionally, all three GEPS agreements were revised to reflect the economic downturn by adjusting the discount qualification tiers.
This program continues to capture new business by focusing on relationship building and coordinated outreach. It uses cross-functional teams to reach new customers, especially within Asian and Hispanic markets. The program has been implemented in ten districts and will be expanded to an additional 20 districts in 2010. GrowGlobal! districts have continued to outperform non-participating districts not only in international products, but also in domestic products.
