Re: [IRCA] [NRC-AM] Changes in USPS Postage and Advice

[Mike Hardester <DX4EVR@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Cross Post to IRCA

         As a former Postal Clerk, I'll try and explain a couple of 
things. The postcard (now 24 cents) is 24 cents (postage) + 2 cents 
(for the card) - use your own/larger card (up to 4x6 inches) and pay 
24 cents. Personally, I think postcards sold at the post office are 
simply a convenience item.

         Clerks should have NO problem, as of 1/8, telling you the 
exact postage for anything....the machines were (should have been) 
reset to the new rates before opening for business on 1/8 (yes, some 
large POs are open on Sundays) or 1/9 as the case may be.

         There WILL be a shortage of 1 cent and 2 cent stamps by 
Tuesday. Why? Your post office ordered enough....it's just that 
mailers didn't plan in advance for the change. In short, if you need 
1 and/or 2 cent stamps or whatever denomination, haul your tail end 
to your post office on Monday and get what you need. The last rate 
increase, from 34 to 37 cents, found my drawer empty of 1, 2 and 3 
cent stamps by the close of business the first day -- the same for 
the other clerk, and postmaster. Naturally, it was our fault not 
having enough stamps on hand.

         Turning in old postage. This usually applies to pre-stamped 
envelopes, postcards, (usually not stamps, unless special 
circumstances apply) etc....AND in a large quantity. I don't know if 
there is a minimum amount ($) that has to be turned in, but my 
postmaster set a $50 limit as I recall.

         This caveat - while $US green stamps are routinely sent to 
radio stations, in foreign countries, as return postage, in some 
countries possession of foreign currency is a crime and can lead to 
prison time for the unsuspecting person at the radio station who 
happens to receive the letter :'(  IRCs, when you can find them are 
nice, but go for mint stamps if at all possible. I think I sold less 
than a handful of IRCs in my 6 year tour with the USPS.

         Just some thoughts. Current Notice 123 (Ratefold) is available at:

PDF Format:             http://pe.usps.gov/cpim/ftp/notices/not123/not123.pdf

HTML:                   http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/ratesandfees.htm

International 
Mail:     http://pe.usps.gov/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub51/pub51.pdf 
(Publication 51 - PDF Format)

                 Mike


At 03:14 PM 1/8/2006 -0500, Stephen wrote:
>Patrick,
>
> >
> > I wonder if the second ounce has increased
> > from 23 cents. Anyone know?
> >
>
>According to the new rate sheet, the 1st ounce is
>39 cents, additional ounces are now 24 cents.
>
>The new postcard rate is 24 cents, and a "stamped
>card" is 26 cents.  Hmmm ... I thought a "postcard"
>and a "stamped card" were the same ...


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