The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) announced good news and bad news depending on how you look at it.
First the good news: Last month US postmaster general Pat Donahoe decided to "scrap the May 2011 deadline for mailers to switch to the IMb system." What does this mean for you? You can continue to use the POSTNET barcode and receive automation discounts. Originally the USPS purposed all mailers must use the intelligent mail barcode (IMb) to receive a postage discount. Many mailers had already made the switch to IMb and are benefiting from the tracking feature and address change services (ACS). Personally I don't believe this deadline delay was solely for mailers. I think the USPS also needed to ensure they were ready internally to discontinue the use of the POSTNET barcode.
And the bad news: The USPS also announced a postage increase for April 2011. First class postage will remain at $0.44 but changes include:
- Postcard rate will increase from 28 cents to 29 cents
- First Class Mail surcharge for mail over 1 ounce will increase from 17 cents to 20 cents
- First class Flat sized mailing will increase by 5.3%
- Saturation mail price increases vary from .4% to .6%
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