DoD Announces Recommended Holiday Mail Dates
http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/2004/nr20041028-1450.html
USPS Introduces Priority Mail Flat-Rate Boxes (Starting Nov. 20)
http://www.melissadata.com/enews/articles/1104/6.htm News
USPS Introduces Priority Mail Flat-Rate Boxes
The U.S. Postal Service will soon provide customers with more shipping options just in time for the holiday mailing season. Using Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes, customers will be able to mail packages — regardless of the parcels' weight or destination — for just $7.70 each.
The Governors of the Postal Service approved this new Priority Mail option as a two-year test, and it will be available Nov. 20, 2004 at most Post Offices and online at USPS.com. The new boxes don't have to be weighed, and there are no zone chart and rate calculations required.
Customers can get the value of Priority Mail in two convenient shapes at one consistent price. “Services that are easy to access and simple to use provide real value for our customers,” said Stephen M. Kearney, Vice President of Pricing and Classification for the U.S. Postal Service.
“We look forward to testing the convenience of flat-rate pricing for Priority Mail packages, especially among small businesses and consumers.”
The Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes are available in two shapes: 11-7/8 inches x 3-3/8 inches x 13-5/8 inches (ideal for garments, board games, books and other relatively thin items) and 11 inches x 8-1/2 inches x 5-1/2 inches.
Kearney said knowing the $7.70 price in advance should help customers ship packages quickly and easily, making the boxes very convenient for the upcoming holiday season.
He noted that paying the flat-rate Priority Mail box postage also is simple and convenient. The price is $7.70 regardless of the weight or destination. For the ultimate convenience, customers can use Click-N-Ship, offered online though USPS.com, to print a shipping label and pay the $7.70 postage, and use Carrier Pickup online notification to let their Post Office know they have a package to be collected when their letter carrier delivers their mail the following day.
Customers can also affix two $3.85 Jefferson Memorial stamps, use a postage meter indicia or any combination of U.S. postage stamps.
