Here are some interesting nuances of the R2006-1 final rate case decision:

First Class Letter–First Class letters over 3.5 oz. must be prepared as flats. This creates complications for mailers who mail non-identical piece weight mail such as credit card or bank statements. They must remove pieces over 3.5 ounces from any letter batch manifests they prepare and either include them in a separate presort for flats or just meter them at the Single Piece Rate for First Class Flats.

Standard Letter–A mail piece can qualify to be mailed at Enhanced Carrier Route rates only if it is barcoded with a ZIP+4 ZIP Code. Mail with 5 digit barcodes or no barcodes at all must go at ECR flat rates though such pieces can not claim a DDU discount.

Periodicals Mail–As of May 14, you can not use USPS International Publisher’s Periodicals Service for foreign pieces. You will have to use First Class International, ISAL or IPA services or work with an International Mail Consolidator like IMEX to delivery your foreign copies.

More to follow!