How to Understand All of the New Postal Rules

Have you ever received mail and wondered why one envelope may have weighed the same as another, but they were charged differently? Confused about the Forever Stamp? Out with 1 grouping of First Class Mail in with 3 - Letters, Flats, Parcels. Ask DOtt and clear up your confusion today.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. The FOREVER Stamp Today's article will focus on the coveted Forever Stamp. On May 14th 2007 a stamp was released by the USPS that was aptly named the Forever Stamp. This stamp was considered to be too good to be true, simply for its name. Even more confusing than how long will forever be, is how will this stamp really work.
   
   We'll start out by stating the quantities that these are available in. If you were to purchase a book of these from a machine you may be dispensed a parcel book of 18, where as if you were to purchase a book of stamps from a counter you'll receive a full book of 20. To date these are not and have never been, nor should not be expected to be released in coils (rolls).
   
   Now to how these work. Let's say that you go into your local Post Office or Contract Unit on May 11th, 2008 and pay $8.20 for 20 Forever Stamps. The very next day that same book of stamps will collectively be valued at $8.40, and each will be worth the new First Class Letter 1st ounce rate of 42 cents. You will never have to add "makeup stamps" to these stamps.
   
   Many people are confused as to which stamps are Forever Stamps and which are not. The only stamp that will be issued as the Forever Stamp are the Liberty Bell Stamps. You may have Flag stamps that have no price listed on them. These are regular First Class Stamps. You most likely have been sold either the first issue of the stamp, or the last, these typically will not include the price.
   
   For more clarity on this stamp please post your questions here.
2. First Class; Letter, Flat, Parcel, what's the difference? On May 14th, 2007 the world of First Class Mail changed exponentially. Once-upon-a-time there was a class of mail called First Class Mail. It was a huge grouping of mail that encompassed everything from the regular letter to a 13oz package.
   
   Now a letter no heavier than 3.49 ounces, and no larger than 6 x 11 roughly and no thicker than 1/4 of an inch qualifies for the 41 cent 1st oz price. If the letter exceeds the above dimensions, but does not exceed 3/4 of an inch it is called a Flat. And if it is thicker than 3/4 of an inch in any spot it is called a parcel. Adding an additional 17 cents extra for each additional ounce, up to 13 ounces.
   
   In addition to this if you have a card that is square such as a musical card, your envelope has a metal clasp or a string wrap on the exterior, or is a ridged pack it is charged the regular price for the equivalent sized 1st class mailing, plus a 17 cents non-machinable surcharge. Post your questions here for more information.
3. Currently DOtt does work as a Private Post Master so her answers will be the real deal.