USPS First-Class Mail Package Service

[Tonearm]

Has anyone heard of this new service from the USPS? I'm having trouble finding much info on it but it sounds very interesting.

[sun818]

Can you be more specific? There are some changes with Jan 22 price increase. The full changes are easily explained here: [endicia.com...]

The FAQ explains the difference between FCM Parcel and FCM Package:

Why am I no longer receiving the discounted price for First-Class Parcel postage when I use DYMO Stamps® or DYMO™ Printable Postage Sheets™?

As of the January 22, 2012 U.S. Postal Service® Price Change, the First-Class Parcel service has been split into two separate classes: First-Class Package Service® and First-Class Mail Parcel®. The First-Class Package Service offers discounted rates, but requires an integrated postage label and a special Intelligent Mail parcel barcode (IMpb). Because postage-only labels—such as stamp sheets and stamp rolls that DYMO Stamps and DYMO Printable Postage use—do not include the IMpb, postage-only labels do not qualify for the discounted First-Class Package Service rate and are priced at the First-Class Mail Parcel rate.

[Tonearm]

Thanks for that info sun818. That explains it nicely. Does you know where to find rate info for the First-Class Mail Package Service? I can't find it at usps.com yet.

[sun818]

That same link if you click on First Class Mail Package service will have rates - although not complete line items. I feel like the post office was better off just calling it First Class Mail, then offering different discounts based on what kind of barcodes you could include with the package. Its just too confusing now...

[Planet13]

So if you use the endicia Click N ship label format, then you can still get the discounted rats because it prints out a barcode (even with no delivery confirmation)?

[Tonearm]

So First Class boxes are First Class Package (and discounted) if the correct barcode is used and First Class Parcel if not?

[Tonearm]

I may as well also mention that Endicia is talking about USPS Regional Rate Box C and I can't find any info on those online.

[jwolthuis]

So First Class boxes are First Class Package (and discounted) if the correct barcode is used and First Class Parcel if not?

Correct. First-Class Packages must have the IMpb barcode and must be Machinable to qualify for Commercial pricing; Parcels do not.

First-Class Packages are now in the "Competitive" pricing tier, meaning that USPS is less restrained on pricing (by the Postal Regulatory Commission), and can react to competitors pricing changes.

First-Class Parcels are still in the "Market-dominant" (Monopoly) pricing-tier, and have a pricing controls placed on them by the Postal Regulatory Commission.

[dpd1]

I'm just realizing how much some rates went up... Wow. Some of my international priority destinations are over $6 higher now.

[Tonearm]

I'm just realizing how much some rates went up... Wow. Some of my international priority destinations are over $6 higher now.

I noticed the lower weights went up but the cost increases tapered off up the scale until they actually got cheaper.

[Planet13]

Well, I can now send first class packages (under 13 0z) with delivery confirmation for the same price as WITHOUT delivery confirmation. Before, it was around 19 cents more for delivery confirmation.

Although I am not sure what the technical definition is for that level (meaning parcel or package). To bad it is not like priority mail where they charge you LESS if you use delivery confirmation.

[jwolthuis]

I am not sure what the technical definition is for that level

It's a Package, with the IMpb barcode. DC is now free.

To bad it is not like priority mail where they charge you LESS if you use delivery confirmation

Can you give an example of this, e.g., what Zone & Weight, and the prices for Priority With and Without DC?