Help On New Postal Rate Hikes

[greyhound]

#1103

The new postal rate increase is very upsetting. /unsure.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’unsure.gif’ /> I don't know what to do. Could someone explain them to me? For instance,

Do you have to measure the dimensions on priority mail?

What about parcel post?

??????? I'm Clueless in Houston.

[loveperfume]

#24181

Greyhound, I know what you mean about being upset. If I had known the prices were going up I wouldn't have bought a book of stamps last week. Now, I'll have to get a book of 2cent stamps. <img src='style_emoticons//mad.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’mad.gif’ /> I haven't heard anything about measuring priority mail.

[greyhound]

#24182

Yeah, it's super confusing. I hear that you not only have to pay for weight as usual, but package size also! <img src='style_emoticons//mad.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’mad.gif’ /> I just don't know what to do. Many others don't know either.

Be aware it's very outrageous. Some priority packages that normally cost $10 (or slightly less) now cost $20+ if shipped to zone 5-8 (within the US).

Normal birthday cards weighing 1 oz will also get charged extra fees! So, I heard. The post office is going by dimensions. Any envelope that isn't the standard size to send bills and normal letters will be charged more. This includes 1 oz or less. <img src='style_emoticons//mad.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’mad.gif’ /> I need to verify this. ??????

If I got this right — packages larger than 1 cubic feet will have balloon fees. Doesn't matter if it only weighs 13 oz, you will get charged for 12 lbs! Big difference. <img src='style_emoticons//ohmy.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’ohmy.gif’ />

Several different shipping methods are now eliminated for international. Economy is gone. We now have 1 airmail method. I don't remember the rest.

Shipping solids will be more costly that's for sure.

[cottagecosmetics]

#24183

If the items are going to be shipped in regular Priority Mail boxes – there is no dimensional surcharge/fee.

If a box measures *over* 12x12x12 (the largest #7 USPS box), then the dimensional issue comes into play.

It's really only a problem for large boxes with only a few pounds worth of stuff.

Lisa

[klassicguy1]

#24184

OHMIGOODNESS! <img src='style_emoticons//ohmy.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’ohmy.gif’ /> I just mailed my first international package today under the new rates and I couldn't believe what it cost!! I sent a small global priority mail box (USPS supplied) that cost me $12 two weeks ago. Today it was $24!!! I couldn't believe it. Same box, same weight, same address. That is crazy! I won't be able to ship overseas at those rates…

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Woody <img src='style_emoticons//blink.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’blink.gif’ />

[cottagecosmetics]

#24185

Yes, international has pretty much doubled, from what I can see.

Small items are best sent in the PMI flat rate envelopes (formerly GPM) for $9.00/$11.00 (they used to be able to be sent for $4.25/$5.25).

Items with larger boxes, such as solids, pretty much ship at a minimum of $20.00 now, unless it's Canada, and then it's around $16.00.

Now, the above is Priority Mail International.

You can still use First Class International (formerly Air Letter Post), and the rates are still reasonable – $7.20 for an 8 oz pkg/$10.40 for a 1 lb pkg (UK, for instance), but they are still higher than they used to be.

I've never been a fan of the transit time for this one, so I stopped using it a few years ago. Too many waylaid packages.

Certainly my overseas shipments will be curtailed with these rates – who wants to pay $11 for small cosmetics?

Lisa

[greyhound]

#24186

Thanks for the replies.

I typically use airmail (1st class) for international. Looks like it really will be the most affordable way to ship now.

I stopped using economy mail long time ago. Talk about slow delivery times. <img src='style_emoticons//ohmy.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’ohmy.gif’ /> Never used it for solids or anything valuable.

I'm going to have trouble selling my last huge toaster. Nobody wants to pay shipping for sure. I need to break even at least. Maybe I should keep it as an emergency gift.

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