New USPS Rates and Move Update Compliance Tracking Goes into Effect May 11th

On May 11th the price for a 1-ounce First-Class Mail stamp will increase from $ 0.42 to 0.44. Prices for other mailing services- Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services (including Parcel Post), and Extra Services will also change. Prices for mailing services by the USPS will continue to be adjusted each May.

Also beginning in May 2009, the USPS will be able to monitor move update compliance more accurately. This will be possible because of new mail tracking technology, called Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMB) that will be incorporated into the barcode of each mail piece. Move update is specifically aimed at those instances when it is important that a mail piece reaches a “specific individual.” If it is not important to reach an “individual” then adding the words "or current resident" or "or current occupant" after the name signals the USPS that delivering to the home or business address if correct, constitutes accurate delivery.

As the USPS continues to adjust their pricing structure the address quality of your list becomes increasingly important. Kelmscott Communications can help you to establish procedures for list maintenance. As a professional mailer, Kelmscott can work with you to make sure you are getting the most out of your “postage.”

For a current summary comparison of the most commonly used postage class increases go to http://www.kelmscottcommunications.com/ services_mail.php