New USPS postage rates effective January 10, 1999

U.S. Postal Service Rate Increase Information

The U.S. Postal Service changed its rates for most types of mail, including bulk discounted mailing and other special services, January 10, 1999. Did you update your software to account for the changes? We've tried to address as many of your concerns as possible here.

Download the new rates now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Overview of rate changes

Other resources

Frequently Asked Questions:

Aren't the rates changing soon?
Yes! The U.S. Postal Service changes take effect on Sunday, January 10, 1999.

Do you have an upgrade available now? How can I get it?
Yes! We have an upgrade containing the new postal rates available for download from our website. Follow the link at the top of this page to do so. If you are an Envelope Manager customer who has purchased the '98-'99 Gold Maintenance Package, a DAZzle Express customer, or you have DAZzle version 3.02, you can download the upgrade contianing the new postage rates for no additional charge. If you don't fall into one of those categories, visit our product showcase or call our Sales department at (800)576-3279.

Do these rate changes affect all Envelope Manager products? Does everybody have to upgrade?
If you use any features in our software involving printing or calculating postage rates then you will need an upgrade. Note that, in addition to presorted rates changing, fees for services such as certified mail, return receipts, insured mail, etc. also changed on January 10. The rate changes primarily affect Envelope Manager PAVE and DAZzle Express users. However, DAZzle Plus and DAZzle Designer users who print rates on their mailpieces (like "Attach 32 cent stamp here") need to upgrade as well. Envelope Manager LE customers are affected depending on which program features they use.

Can't I just download a new rate table or something?
No. The rates are integrated into the program. You have to get an upgrade.

Will I need to change any settings in my software?
No. Once you download and install the upgrade, all changes will be automatic; you won't need to manually change any preferences in the program.

Did all of the rates go up?
Most rates went up, but a few went down. The fee for "extra ounces" on First-Class Mail, for example, decreased.

Didn't nonprofit rates change a couple months ago?
Yes. The U.S. Postal Service increased nonprofit rates October 1998. However, it is increased them again along with the other rate changes. All nonprofit users of Envelope Manager and DAZzle Express need to upgrade again, even if they did so in the fall.

It looks like ECR Line of Travel (LOT) rates for letters will increase a lot.
True. As of January 10, ECR Line of Travel letter rates are more expensive than regular 5-digit Automation letter rates. After January 10, to save money, you should not use Line of Travel rates unless you qualify for DDU discounts or your mailpiece is not automation-compatible.

Overview of changes:

This is an overview of the changes which will affect Envelope Manager Software customers.

The rates for most permits are increasing from 85$ to 100$.

Most First-Class Mail and Standard Class postage rates will change.

Fees will increase for services, including Certificate of Mailing, Certified Mail ($1.40), Express Mail Insurance, Insured Mail, Registered Mail, and Return Receipt ($1.25), among others.

Markings on Standard Mail will change from "Bulk Rate" (or "Blk. Rt.") to "Presorted Standard" (or "PRSRT STD."). There is a 2 year transition period, so you don 't need to change your envelopes right away.

First-Class Mail customers will be able to abbreviate Presorted to "PRSRT" if they wish.

First-Class Mail maximum weight will increase from 11 to 13 ounces.

Priority Mail rates will change, presorted Priority Mail will disappear, and there will be a new delivery confirmation service.

Express Mail rates will increase.

BRM (Business Reply Mail) barcode placement will be slightly stricter, but our customers will be unaffected because DAZzle will still place the barcode within postal regulations.

BRMAS will no longer exist. Instead there will be QBRM (Qualified Business Reply Mail). If your mailpiece qualified for BRMAS, you won't have to resubmit it. Rates for BRM and QBRM will also change.

Other resources:

The U.S. Postal Service has a very informative web page on the January 10, 1999, rate changes. It contains the new rate tables, special issues of the Mailer's Companion and Postal Bulletin and more. (Note that all files at this page require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.)

View Site in Frames

Home | News | Products | Support | Contact Us