The Postal Service continues to maintain a strong presence in the international shipping market with individual customer contracts, agreements with other postal administrations, and streamlined product offerings tailored to the needs of businesses and consumers.
Global Express Guaranteed (GXG) is the premium international shipping option that offers reliable date-certain delivery in 1 to 3 business days to over 190 countries, with a money-back guarantee. For almost all network destinations, liability insurance is provided for lost or damaged shipments. GXG customers receive a 10 percent discount for commercial base prices when postage is paid online at usps.com or through authorized PC Postage vendors. This year, GXG acceptance was expanded to Hawaii. GXG was also added to the USPS Shipping Assistant, a free desktop computer program that allows a customer to create various barcoded postal shipping labels. Overall, GXG prices increased 4.1 percent.
International transportation and delivery for GXG is provided by FedEx. Since the formation of the alliance with FedEx in 2004, GXG volume has almost doubled. The alliance was extended in 2009 for a 5-year term. It builds on accomplishments of the initial agreement, which combines the resources of both organizations to provide world-class quality and value.
Express Mail International (EMI) provides reliable delivery within 3 to 5 business days on average to over 190 countries. EMI 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, or through authorized PC Postage vendors. Customers who pay postage by permit imprint and use authorized mail preparation software receive an 8 percent published discount off retail prices. 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. Overall, EMI prices increased 2.9 percent.
The same postal-provided Express Mail packaging used domestically can also be used for international shipping, including the flat-rate envelope. Express Mail International With Guarantee service — which offers a date-certain, postage-refund guarantee — is available to Australia, China, Great Britain, France (excluding Corsica and Monaco), Northern Ireland, Hong Kong, Japan, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), Singapore, and Spain.
Priority Mail International (PMI) offers delivery within 6 to 10 business days on average to over 190 countries. Customers receive a 5 percent discount when postage is paid online at usps.com, 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. Overall, PMI prices increased 3 percent.
The same Postal Service-provided Priority Mail packaging used domestically can also be used for international shipping, including the flat-rate envelopes and boxes. Tracking of PMI is available to major destinations. Limited indemnity is provided at no additional charge for parcel shipments and insurance is available for a fee. Online tools provide a combined address and customs mailing label, thus enabling discounts and convenience. Online shipping also allows the Postal Service to send electronic notification to U.S. Customs and Border protection — now a legal requirement.
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.
International Priority Airmail (IPA) and International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) products meet the requirements of international business mailers needing services that are reliable yet more economical than First-Class Mail International. The number of country price groups is 15 — including 10 “country-specific” groups, and 5 multiple-country price groups. Mailer IPA and ISAL presort and dropship requirements 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.
In addition to the traditional Global Expedited Package Services (GEPS) contract, GEPS Metro and International Service Center (ISC) Drop Ship agreements offer discounts that reflect lower transportation costs than the traditional GEPS 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. All three types of GEPS agreements were revised in response to the economic downturn by adjusting the discount qualification tiers.
The Postal Service entered into Global Reseller Expedited Package Service agreements with three resellers. These resellers had preferred pricing agreements with DHL (until DHL withdrew from the U.S. domestic marketplace), reselling domestic and international express services to small and medium size enterprises. In order to appease their customer base and maintain a high level of service, the resellers formally agreed to sell EMI and PMI services to concerns located throughout the U.S.
This effort continues to build business by focusing on relationship building and coordinated outreach. It uses cross-functional teams to reach new customers, especially Asian and Hispanic markets. GrowGlobal! was implemented in 10 more districts, for a total of 30. By raising awareness and capitalizing on mutual business opportunities with these diverse markets, revenue for international products increased 10 percent nationwide.
The Postal Service and the U.S. Department of Commerce kicked off the New Market Exporter Initiative, a collaboration that offers exporter companies using postal products, expertise and tools for helping to expand their export businesses. Free trade information and customized support for customers who register can be found at www.export.gov.
