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General Philatelic/Gen. Discussion : USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

 

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keesindy
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13 Apr 2016
05:37:24pm
I just sold a couple of items on eBay and was calculating the combined cost at eBay of mailing the package. Nothing there seems to have changed. However, when I went to the USPS web site, the only options that came up for both a large envelope and a large package were Priority Mail and Media Mail. None of the other traditional non-Priority options are showing up. Is this a change in available USPS services that eBay hasn't implemented yet? Or just a problem with the USPS site?
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philatelia
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13 Apr 2016
06:07:59pm
re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

Just tried on the postage calculator page and the first class rates are still there. You get a page with the priority options up on top and several rows of blue with other options. To see the first class rates you must click on that option.

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keesindy
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13 Apr 2016
06:51:16pm
re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

No. Those options don't show up in the USPS calculator. I've tried large envelopes of different weights up to 3 pounds and large packages of varying sizes and weighing up to 3 pounds. In every case the only non-Priority Mail option that shows up in that calculator is Media Mail under "Other Options." I even tried clearing my browser history, but that made no difference.

I've already printed the mailing label at eBay. So this isn't terribly important. It just came as a surprise when I was double-checking to see how the USPS calculator would differ from eBay's. Big difference!!! Happy

If USPS hasn't dropped a bunch of non-Priority Mail options, then there must be a technical glitch somewhere.

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michael78651

13 Apr 2016
07:23:18pm
re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

Tom, if your package weighs more than 13 ounces, then first class is no longer an option.

Everything you need to know about USPS postal rates, fees and cost of services is located right here:

http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm

I print out the retail sections of this document with every rate change.

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philatelia
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13 Apr 2016
07:34:52pm
re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

That is really odd - I tried entering a large envelope, rigid, and 6 ounces. It showed me a price of $3.02 for first class and $2.61 for media rate.

But, I'll bet Michael has hit the nail on the head - the weight must be over 13 ounces.

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"August 2023 - selling penny start bargain lots on EBay - https://www.ebay.com/str/philatelia"

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DavidG
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APS member since 2004

13 Apr 2016
07:50:44pm
re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

Thirteen ounces is the maximum weight for lettermail in the United States.

David
(the U.S. Rate collector!)

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keesindy
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13 Apr 2016
09:03:54pm
re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

I didn't think a large 14 x 12 photo mailer would necessarily be considered lettermail, even below 13 ounces. Regardless, my tests with weights of that size mailer between 1 and 2 pounds didn't give me any non-Priority Mail options other than Media Mail. I was puzzled. So I experimented with a package of various sizes and various weights up to 3 pounds and got the same results. I think my largest test package was 14 x 12 x 6 and I got only the Media Mail option aside from the Priority Mail options. At eBay, I was getting those other typical parcel options for my 14 x 12 mailer at 1 pound 11 ounces. I didn't do any other tests at eBay.

I just tried again to get other USPS options to show up. I used various package weights up to 7 pounds and box sizes up to 16 x 16 x 24. Aside from the Priority Mail options, I only get the Media Mail option in every case. None of the USPS check boxes are checked for "live animals" or "nonrectangular" etc. The site behavior is not normal. I updated Firefox yesterday and it changed my color management settings within the browser back to the defaults. Maybe there is something else going on with Firefox 43.0.1 that I don't understand.

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michael78651

13 Apr 2016
10:50:15pm
re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

The dimensions and weights that you were experimenting with are outside of the parameters for First Class Mail.

There are three categories of First Class Mail, not including post cards:

- FIRST CLASS LETTERS:

Maximum weight = 3.5 ounces (over 3.5 ounces and it is classified a large envelope)
Maximum size = 11.5" long x 6.125" high x 0.25" thick

Also, non-machinable letters are subject to a surcharge.

- FIRST CLASS LARGE ENVELOPES (used to be called "Flats"):

Maximum weight = 13 ounces (over 13 ounces and it is classified Priority Mail)
Maximum size = 15" long x 12" high x 0.75" thick, OR a letter exceeding any one or more maximum physical dimensions

- FIRST CLASS PARCELS:

Maximum weight = 13 ounces (over 13 ounces and it is classified Priority Mail)
Size = large envelope exceeding one or more maximum physical dimensions, but combined length plus girth cannot exceed 108", except when shipping ground only the maximum length and girth cannot exceed 130"

Also, letters and large envelopes that are rigid, non-rectangular, contain bubble-wrap or not uniformly thick are also classified as parcels.

See Pages 1 and 67 of the USPS Notice 123 (see link to the document in a prior response).

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michael78651

13 Apr 2016
10:53:42pm
re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

Note that eBay has a special contract with the USPS that makes an exception to the First Class maximum weight for large envelopes and parcels to 16 ounces. Note that if you are using eBay system to print pre-paid shipping labels that often in the over 13 ounce weights Fed-Ex may be the cheaper way to ship. Also, in some lower weights, the eBay pre-paid shipping costs may be higher than USPS.

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keesindy
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14 Apr 2016
05:55:31pm
re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

OK. I did some more experimenting at the USPS site just now. Yesterday, I was using a zip code from Indy to Iowa. Today, I got the same results as yesterday with that zip code. However, using a California zip code brought up a new "Retail Ground" option under "Other Options." This is in addition to the usual "Media Mail" option. It shows up whether I'm identifying my mail piece as a large envelope, package or a large package weighing between 1 and 2 pounds. This "Retail Ground" terminology is new in my experience with USPS. I didn't think I had been living under a rock, but maybe..................

I did the same experiment with a Chicago zip code and got the same results as yesterday with the Iowa zip. Only Priority and Media Mail options are available. I have long expected USPS to eliminate non-Priority options to simplify their system and raise revenues, but it appears they've been making changes while I was hiding under that rock.

I haven't mailed much, if anything, over a pound in the past year or more (most has been under 13 ounces), and I was unaware of a distance factor being involved in determining my USPS mailing options.

Michael, I focus on using USPS because they're slightly more convenient than FedEx and UPS (not to mention being near the Dairy Queen!).

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michael78651

14 Apr 2016
06:15:58pm
re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

"I focus on using USPS because they're slightly more convenient than FedEx and UPS (not to mention being near the Dairy Queen!)."



Priorities are important!

Next to our Dairy Queen we have a Baskin-Robbins!

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BenFranklin1902
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Tom in Exton, PA

14 Apr 2016
08:26:43pm
re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

If USPS eliminates first class and only has Priority, it's no longer a priority?


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amsd
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Editor, Seal News; contributor, JuicyHeads

15 Apr 2016
08:35:43am

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re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

please note that over 13 ounces, one is forced into priority mail, which is just a name, although it comes with additional benefits over first class. One can choose other classes, but none are equivalent to first class/PM and, while cheaper, are generally slower.

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BenFranklin1902
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Tom in Exton, PA

15 Apr 2016
09:30:11am
re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

"please note that over 13 ounces, one is forced into priority mail, which is just a name,"



Note that Priority really doesn't get you anything. When last checked the USPS website and asked for rates for both Priority and First Class mail, BOTH said delivery in two days -- no guarantees.

Once in a similar discussion on the model car board, we sent two parcels across the country, one Priority and the other First Class. Identical boxes. Both were delivered in the same delivery!

Every year there is one vendor at my model show who sends his response / payment by Priority Mail. No reason to do so, he had plenty of time but I guess he perceives he is getting something extra (maybe just tracking?) Difference is 47 cents for first class and $6 something for Priority. Pretty much just a donation to USPS

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amsd
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Editor, Seal News; contributor, JuicyHeads

15 Apr 2016
10:41:54am

Auctions
re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

very true Tom

at one point, Priority Mail was sold as 2-day delivery. then, that was dropped, and removed from the packages, but not really advertised.

most of the folks at my office have no idea, even though I've discussed it multiple times; just doesn't register (no pun)

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"Save the USPS, buy stamps; save the hobby, use commemoratives"

juicyheads.com/link.php?PLJZJP
michael78651

15 Apr 2016
11:13:23am
re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

First Class = 3 to 5 days delivery

Priority Mail = 2 to 3 days delivery

Priority Mail includes $50.00 insurance

Priority Mail and First Class Parcel include tracking

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keesindy
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15 Apr 2016
02:41:17pm
re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

Am I the only one who hadn't encountered the "Retail Ground" terminology before? (At least I don't recall seeing it!)

Is it something that has been in use for a while?

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"I no longer collect, but will never abandon the hobby"
michael78651

15 Apr 2016
03:55:34pm
re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

See the specifications for First Class Parcels that I listed above. The Retail Ground is mentioned there.

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keesindy
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15 Apr 2016
07:59:00pm
re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

Thanks, Michael! The answer is January 17, 2016. That's when this new "Retail Ground" terminology was officially introduced into the system and that explains why it was new to me.

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keesindy

13 Apr 2016
05:37:24pm

I just sold a couple of items on eBay and was calculating the combined cost at eBay of mailing the package. Nothing there seems to have changed. However, when I went to the USPS web site, the only options that came up for both a large envelope and a large package were Priority Mail and Media Mail. None of the other traditional non-Priority options are showing up. Is this a change in available USPS services that eBay hasn't implemented yet? Or just a problem with the USPS site?

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"I no longer collect, but will never abandon the hobby"
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philatelia

13 Apr 2016
06:07:59pm

re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

Just tried on the postage calculator page and the first class rates are still there. You get a page with the priority options up on top and several rows of blue with other options. To see the first class rates you must click on that option.

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this post

"August 2023 - selling penny start bargain lots on EBay - https://www.ebay.com/str/philatelia"

www.ebay.com/str/phi ...
Members Picture
keesindy

13 Apr 2016
06:51:16pm

re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

No. Those options don't show up in the USPS calculator. I've tried large envelopes of different weights up to 3 pounds and large packages of varying sizes and weighing up to 3 pounds. In every case the only non-Priority Mail option that shows up in that calculator is Media Mail under "Other Options." I even tried clearing my browser history, but that made no difference.

I've already printed the mailing label at eBay. So this isn't terribly important. It just came as a surprise when I was double-checking to see how the USPS calculator would differ from eBay's. Big difference!!! Happy

If USPS hasn't dropped a bunch of non-Priority Mail options, then there must be a technical glitch somewhere.

Like
Login to Like
this post

"I no longer collect, but will never abandon the hobby"
michael78651

13 Apr 2016
07:23:18pm

re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

Tom, if your package weighs more than 13 ounces, then first class is no longer an option.

Everything you need to know about USPS postal rates, fees and cost of services is located right here:

http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm

I print out the retail sections of this document with every rate change.

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this post
Members Picture
philatelia

13 Apr 2016
07:34:52pm

re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

That is really odd - I tried entering a large envelope, rigid, and 6 ounces. It showed me a price of $3.02 for first class and $2.61 for media rate.

But, I'll bet Michael has hit the nail on the head - the weight must be over 13 ounces.

Like
Login to Like
this post

"August 2023 - selling penny start bargain lots on EBay - https://www.ebay.com/str/philatelia"

www.ebay.com/str/phi ...
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DavidG

APS member since 2004
13 Apr 2016
07:50:44pm

re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

Thirteen ounces is the maximum weight for lettermail in the United States.

David
(the U.S. Rate collector!)

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"President, The Society for Costa Rica Collectors"
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keesindy

13 Apr 2016
09:03:54pm

re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

I didn't think a large 14 x 12 photo mailer would necessarily be considered lettermail, even below 13 ounces. Regardless, my tests with weights of that size mailer between 1 and 2 pounds didn't give me any non-Priority Mail options other than Media Mail. I was puzzled. So I experimented with a package of various sizes and various weights up to 3 pounds and got the same results. I think my largest test package was 14 x 12 x 6 and I got only the Media Mail option aside from the Priority Mail options. At eBay, I was getting those other typical parcel options for my 14 x 12 mailer at 1 pound 11 ounces. I didn't do any other tests at eBay.

I just tried again to get other USPS options to show up. I used various package weights up to 7 pounds and box sizes up to 16 x 16 x 24. Aside from the Priority Mail options, I only get the Media Mail option in every case. None of the USPS check boxes are checked for "live animals" or "nonrectangular" etc. The site behavior is not normal. I updated Firefox yesterday and it changed my color management settings within the browser back to the defaults. Maybe there is something else going on with Firefox 43.0.1 that I don't understand.

Like
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this post

"I no longer collect, but will never abandon the hobby"
michael78651

13 Apr 2016
10:50:15pm

re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

The dimensions and weights that you were experimenting with are outside of the parameters for First Class Mail.

There are three categories of First Class Mail, not including post cards:

- FIRST CLASS LETTERS:

Maximum weight = 3.5 ounces (over 3.5 ounces and it is classified a large envelope)
Maximum size = 11.5" long x 6.125" high x 0.25" thick

Also, non-machinable letters are subject to a surcharge.

- FIRST CLASS LARGE ENVELOPES (used to be called "Flats"):

Maximum weight = 13 ounces (over 13 ounces and it is classified Priority Mail)
Maximum size = 15" long x 12" high x 0.75" thick, OR a letter exceeding any one or more maximum physical dimensions

- FIRST CLASS PARCELS:

Maximum weight = 13 ounces (over 13 ounces and it is classified Priority Mail)
Size = large envelope exceeding one or more maximum physical dimensions, but combined length plus girth cannot exceed 108", except when shipping ground only the maximum length and girth cannot exceed 130"

Also, letters and large envelopes that are rigid, non-rectangular, contain bubble-wrap or not uniformly thick are also classified as parcels.

See Pages 1 and 67 of the USPS Notice 123 (see link to the document in a prior response).

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michael78651

13 Apr 2016
10:53:42pm

re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

Note that eBay has a special contract with the USPS that makes an exception to the First Class maximum weight for large envelopes and parcels to 16 ounces. Note that if you are using eBay system to print pre-paid shipping labels that often in the over 13 ounce weights Fed-Ex may be the cheaper way to ship. Also, in some lower weights, the eBay pre-paid shipping costs may be higher than USPS.

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keesindy

14 Apr 2016
05:55:31pm

re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

OK. I did some more experimenting at the USPS site just now. Yesterday, I was using a zip code from Indy to Iowa. Today, I got the same results as yesterday with that zip code. However, using a California zip code brought up a new "Retail Ground" option under "Other Options." This is in addition to the usual "Media Mail" option. It shows up whether I'm identifying my mail piece as a large envelope, package or a large package weighing between 1 and 2 pounds. This "Retail Ground" terminology is new in my experience with USPS. I didn't think I had been living under a rock, but maybe..................

I did the same experiment with a Chicago zip code and got the same results as yesterday with the Iowa zip. Only Priority and Media Mail options are available. I have long expected USPS to eliminate non-Priority options to simplify their system and raise revenues, but it appears they've been making changes while I was hiding under that rock.

I haven't mailed much, if anything, over a pound in the past year or more (most has been under 13 ounces), and I was unaware of a distance factor being involved in determining my USPS mailing options.

Michael, I focus on using USPS because they're slightly more convenient than FedEx and UPS (not to mention being near the Dairy Queen!).

Like
Login to Like
this post

"I no longer collect, but will never abandon the hobby"
michael78651

14 Apr 2016
06:15:58pm

re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

"I focus on using USPS because they're slightly more convenient than FedEx and UPS (not to mention being near the Dairy Queen!)."



Priorities are important!

Next to our Dairy Queen we have a Baskin-Robbins!

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BenFranklin1902

Tom in Exton, PA
14 Apr 2016
08:26:43pm

re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

If USPS eliminates first class and only has Priority, it's no longer a priority?


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"Check out my eBay Stuff! Username Turtles-Trading-Post"
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amsd

Editor, Seal News; contributor, JuicyHeads
15 Apr 2016
08:35:43am

Auctions

re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

please note that over 13 ounces, one is forced into priority mail, which is just a name, although it comes with additional benefits over first class. One can choose other classes, but none are equivalent to first class/PM and, while cheaper, are generally slower.

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Save the USPS, buy stamps; save the hobby, use commemoratives"

juicyheads.com/link. ...
Members Picture
BenFranklin1902

Tom in Exton, PA
15 Apr 2016
09:30:11am

re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

"please note that over 13 ounces, one is forced into priority mail, which is just a name,"



Note that Priority really doesn't get you anything. When last checked the USPS website and asked for rates for both Priority and First Class mail, BOTH said delivery in two days -- no guarantees.

Once in a similar discussion on the model car board, we sent two parcels across the country, one Priority and the other First Class. Identical boxes. Both were delivered in the same delivery!

Every year there is one vendor at my model show who sends his response / payment by Priority Mail. No reason to do so, he had plenty of time but I guess he perceives he is getting something extra (maybe just tracking?) Difference is 47 cents for first class and $6 something for Priority. Pretty much just a donation to USPS

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Check out my eBay Stuff! Username Turtles-Trading-Post"
Members Picture
amsd

Editor, Seal News; contributor, JuicyHeads
15 Apr 2016
10:41:54am

Auctions

re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

very true Tom

at one point, Priority Mail was sold as 2-day delivery. then, that was dropped, and removed from the packages, but not really advertised.

most of the folks at my office have no idea, even though I've discussed it multiple times; just doesn't register (no pun)

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Save the USPS, buy stamps; save the hobby, use commemoratives"

juicyheads.com/link. ...
michael78651

15 Apr 2016
11:13:23am

re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

First Class = 3 to 5 days delivery

Priority Mail = 2 to 3 days delivery

Priority Mail includes $50.00 insurance

Priority Mail and First Class Parcel include tracking

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keesindy

15 Apr 2016
02:41:17pm

re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

Am I the only one who hadn't encountered the "Retail Ground" terminology before? (At least I don't recall seeing it!)

Is it something that has been in use for a while?

Like
Login to Like
this post

"I no longer collect, but will never abandon the hobby"
michael78651

15 Apr 2016
03:55:34pm

re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

See the specifications for First Class Parcels that I listed above. The Retail Ground is mentioned there.

Like
Login to Like
this post
Members Picture
keesindy

15 Apr 2016
07:59:00pm

re: USPS dropping non Priority Mail options?

Thanks, Michael! The answer is January 17, 2016. That's when this new "Retail Ground" terminology was officially introduced into the system and that explains why it was new to me.

Like
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this post

"I no longer collect, but will never abandon the hobby"
        

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