Postal Regulation Changes

JANUARY 2013

For the past several years, both USPS and the mailing industry have used Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMbs) to gain information about letters and flats as they move from induction to delivery. Effective January 27, 2013, the US Postal Service will discontinue price eligibility for the use of POSTNET barcodes and will require Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMbs) with a Mailer ID for automation price eligibility purposes on all reply mail devices. IMB image and Mailing ID may be acquired on line from the USPS.

We understand that some mailing customers currently use POSTNET barcodes which will no longer qualify. We are committed to providing information to and working with our mailing customers to make sure they meet all new Postal regulations as they are updated. Make sure you check with your sales rep or customer service rep before designing or printing any reply mail piece that now requires Intelligent Mail Barcodes and Mailer ID to make sure that your mail complies with current Postal regulations.

Check with us or go to www.USPS.gov about other changes that are occurring at the USPS. There are other very specific regulations that went into effect on January 7, 2013 as well, which will affect paper weight, size of piece, style of folding, tabbing and location of mailing address. Higher postal rates could be imposed if your mail does not meet current regulations. It is always best to check with us before designing any mail piece.

The overall postage rates tables for all classes of mail will increase on January 27, 2013 by an average of 2.9% by class of mail.

CROWN PRINTERS
909-888-7531
www.crownconnect.com