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United States/Stamps : Rate, Please

 

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DavidG
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APS member since 2004

29 May 2017
02:43:56pm
Can someone please tell me what the three ounce letter rate to Canada, from the United States? The envelope is 5 3/4" high x 8.5" long and less than 1/4 " thick. Using the USPS website is a frustrating experience.

Thanks!

David Giles
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51Studebaker
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Dialysis, damned if you do...dead if you don't

29 May 2017
02:58:30pm
re: Rate, Please

$1.61 (US)
3 oz. First-Class Mail® International Letter
Max. length 11-1/2", height 6-1/8" or thickness 1/4"
Value of contents can not exceed $400.00

Don

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larsdog
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APS #220693 ATA#57179

29 May 2017
03:06:52pm
re: Rate, Please

I don't know why you thought this was hard to find:

Image Not Found

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In loving memory of Carol, my wife for 52 years.

29 May 2017
06:25:33pm

Auctions - Approvals
re: Rate, Please

Are you certain that it is 3 oz and that it will not exceed 1/4 inch thick ? I tried to get 3 oz of paper in an envelope that size and couldn't make it under 1/4 inch thick.

Also remember that it can't be rigid....

It is beyond confusing even mailing here in the states. One of the items on the template is a 1/4 inch slot and depending who is on the window it can't touch going through..... I use photo mailers and they are no go at a measured .027 - close but no cigar.

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larsdog
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APS #220693 ATA#57179

29 May 2017
06:57:08pm
re: Rate, Please

"Are you certain that it is 3 oz and that it will not exceed 1/4 inch thick ? I tried to get 3 oz of paper in an envelope that size and couldn't make it under 1/4 inch thick. "



Anything over 2 ounces is at the 3 ounce rate, so getting 2.1 ounces into an envelope that is less that 1/4" thick isn't hard if you fold the pages individually and put a sharp crease on them, but if the envelope is only 8.5" wide (instead of 9") then you can't tri-fold an 8.5 x 11" piece of paper so there could be a problem.

If there are rigid objects in the letter then that rate doesn't apply!

(Rigid: corrugated cardboard; Not rigid: Cereal box cardboard).

Lars

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BenFranklin1902
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Tom in Exton, PA

29 May 2017
07:30:18pm
re: Rate, Please

"It is beyond confusing even mailing here in the states. One of the items on the template is a 1/4 inch slot and depending who is on the window it can't touch going through.."



Yup, at my local post office it's possible to get three different rates at the three different windows.

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

In loving memory of Carol, my wife for 52 years.

29 May 2017
07:47:16pm

Auctions - Approvals
re: Rate, Please

"Yup, at my local post office it's possible to get three different rates at the three different windows."

Indeed - if I remember for awhile it was either around 80 cents, or a dollar twenty or two forty - quite a difference for the same package.

I know if I use a photo mailer it will be two forty or so, a 5 X 8 with foamcore (just under 1/4 inch) will be non-machinable at about a buck twenty. Using a stiffener cut from a file folder will be at the lower rate..... there is some consistency now among the old timers.

And then the new clerk tells me the other day that in class they learned to determine if something was non-machinable by putting the midpoint of the envelope on a table edge and trying to bend it 90 degrees. Try thinking about that one for a minute......

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BenFranklin1902
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Tom in Exton, PA

29 May 2017
08:50:00pm
re: Rate, Please

"And then the new clerk tells me the other day that in class they learned to determine if something was non-machinable by putting the midpoint of the envelope on a table edge and trying to bend it 90 degrees. Try thinking about that one for a minute......"



Probably the same class where they're told to never, ever give me a postmark! Surprise

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michael78651

29 May 2017
09:32:14pm
re: Rate, Please

"And then the new clerk tells me the other day that in class they learned to determine if something was non-machinable by putting the midpoint of the envelope on a table edge and trying to bend it 90 degrees. "



Such a process exists. It's call "The Flexibility Test". However, 90 degrees is not the test, and it is ridiculous for that clerk to think so.

Here's the test (for large envelopes (flats):

1. place mail piece on a hard, flat surface
2. position the mailpiece by its longest length so that 1/2 of it (5 inches maximum for pieces longer than 10 inches) extends off the edge of the surface
3. push down on the piece
4. if it can flex 1 INCH without damaging the mailpiece, and the piece does not contain a rigid insert, then it is considered to be flexible and not a parcel

As so often we must do, here is the link to the USPS mail manual with the procedure. If you are having trouble with a clerk regarding this rule, print it out and show it to the clerk. Maybe, the clerk will understand...

https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/201.htm#ep1096362

Scroll down to Exhibit 4.3a Flexibility Test—All Flats, and you'll see it. It even comes with an illustration to show clerks how to do it.
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DavidG
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APS member since 2004

29 May 2017
09:47:29pm
re: Rate, Please

Thanks, folks! I get confused with the American measurements.

Ask Phil B. about 9/10 of a mile.

David in Ottawa, Canada.

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larsdog
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APS #220693 ATA#57179

30 May 2017
07:25:18pm
re: Rate, Please

We talked about going metric in the late 1970's. The day came and we all woke up and decided "This is just too hard!"

Nobody has brought it up since.

Lars

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DavidG
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APS member since 2004

30 May 2017
07:49:08pm
re: Rate, Please

The US and one other country have not get gone metric.... I cannot recall the name of the other country.

David

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michael78651

30 May 2017
08:58:33pm
re: Rate, Please

The Imperial Gallon is not in the metric system. One Imperial Gallon equals a little more than 4.5 liters.

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BigP

30 May 2017
11:07:30pm
re: Rate, Please

Liberia and Myanmar(Burma) also were holdouts, but Wikipedia says Myanmar will be switching over.

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Author/Postings
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DavidG

APS member since 2004
29 May 2017
02:43:56pm

Can someone please tell me what the three ounce letter rate to Canada, from the United States? The envelope is 5 3/4" high x 8.5" long and less than 1/4 " thick. Using the USPS website is a frustrating experience.

Thanks!

David Giles

Like
Login to Like
this post

"President, The Society for Costa Rica Collectors"
Members Picture
51Studebaker

Dialysis, damned if you do...dead if you don't
29 May 2017
02:58:30pm

re: Rate, Please

$1.61 (US)
3 oz. First-Class Mail® International Letter
Max. length 11-1/2", height 6-1/8" or thickness 1/4"
Value of contents can not exceed $400.00

Don

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"Current Score... Don 1 - Cancer 0"

stampsmarter.org
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larsdog

APS #220693 ATA#57179
29 May 2017
03:06:52pm

re: Rate, Please

I don't know why you thought this was hard to find:

Image Not Found

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Expanding your knowledge faster than your collection can save you a few bucks."

stamps.colp.info
Webpaper

In loving memory of Carol, my wife for 52 years.

29 May 2017
06:25:33pm

Auctions - Approvals

re: Rate, Please

Are you certain that it is 3 oz and that it will not exceed 1/4 inch thick ? I tried to get 3 oz of paper in an envelope that size and couldn't make it under 1/4 inch thick.

Also remember that it can't be rigid....

It is beyond confusing even mailing here in the states. One of the items on the template is a 1/4 inch slot and depending who is on the window it can't touch going through..... I use photo mailers and they are no go at a measured .027 - close but no cigar.

Like
Login to Like
this post

www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
Members Picture
larsdog

APS #220693 ATA#57179
29 May 2017
06:57:08pm

re: Rate, Please

"Are you certain that it is 3 oz and that it will not exceed 1/4 inch thick ? I tried to get 3 oz of paper in an envelope that size and couldn't make it under 1/4 inch thick. "



Anything over 2 ounces is at the 3 ounce rate, so getting 2.1 ounces into an envelope that is less that 1/4" thick isn't hard if you fold the pages individually and put a sharp crease on them, but if the envelope is only 8.5" wide (instead of 9") then you can't tri-fold an 8.5 x 11" piece of paper so there could be a problem.

If there are rigid objects in the letter then that rate doesn't apply!

(Rigid: corrugated cardboard; Not rigid: Cereal box cardboard).

Lars

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Expanding your knowledge faster than your collection can save you a few bucks."

stamps.colp.info
Members Picture
BenFranklin1902

Tom in Exton, PA
29 May 2017
07:30:18pm

re: Rate, Please

"It is beyond confusing even mailing here in the states. One of the items on the template is a 1/4 inch slot and depending who is on the window it can't touch going through.."



Yup, at my local post office it's possible to get three different rates at the three different windows.

Like
Login to Like
this post

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

In loving memory of Carol, my wife for 52 years.

29 May 2017
07:47:16pm

Auctions - Approvals

re: Rate, Please

"Yup, at my local post office it's possible to get three different rates at the three different windows."

Indeed - if I remember for awhile it was either around 80 cents, or a dollar twenty or two forty - quite a difference for the same package.

I know if I use a photo mailer it will be two forty or so, a 5 X 8 with foamcore (just under 1/4 inch) will be non-machinable at about a buck twenty. Using a stiffener cut from a file folder will be at the lower rate..... there is some consistency now among the old timers.

And then the new clerk tells me the other day that in class they learned to determine if something was non-machinable by putting the midpoint of the envelope on a table edge and trying to bend it 90 degrees. Try thinking about that one for a minute......

Like
Login to Like
this post

www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
Members Picture
BenFranklin1902

Tom in Exton, PA
29 May 2017
08:50:00pm

re: Rate, Please

"And then the new clerk tells me the other day that in class they learned to determine if something was non-machinable by putting the midpoint of the envelope on a table edge and trying to bend it 90 degrees. Try thinking about that one for a minute......"



Probably the same class where they're told to never, ever give me a postmark! Surprise

Like 
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.

"Check out my eBay Stuff! Username Turtles-Trading-Post"
michael78651

29 May 2017
09:32:14pm

re: Rate, Please

"And then the new clerk tells me the other day that in class they learned to determine if something was non-machinable by putting the midpoint of the envelope on a table edge and trying to bend it 90 degrees. "



Such a process exists. It's call "The Flexibility Test". However, 90 degrees is not the test, and it is ridiculous for that clerk to think so.

Here's the test (for large envelopes (flats):

1. place mail piece on a hard, flat surface
2. position the mailpiece by its longest length so that 1/2 of it (5 inches maximum for pieces longer than 10 inches) extends off the edge of the surface
3. push down on the piece
4. if it can flex 1 INCH without damaging the mailpiece, and the piece does not contain a rigid insert, then it is considered to be flexible and not a parcel

As so often we must do, here is the link to the USPS mail manual with the procedure. If you are having trouble with a clerk regarding this rule, print it out and show it to the clerk. Maybe, the clerk will understand...

https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/201.htm#ep1096362

Scroll down to Exhibit 4.3a Flexibility Test—All Flats, and you'll see it. It even comes with an illustration to show clerks how to do it.
Like 
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Members Picture
DavidG

APS member since 2004
29 May 2017
09:47:29pm

re: Rate, Please

Thanks, folks! I get confused with the American measurements.

Ask Phil B. about 9/10 of a mile.

David in Ottawa, Canada.

Like
Login to Like
this post

"President, The Society for Costa Rica Collectors"
Members Picture
larsdog

APS #220693 ATA#57179
30 May 2017
07:25:18pm

re: Rate, Please

We talked about going metric in the late 1970's. The day came and we all woke up and decided "This is just too hard!"

Nobody has brought it up since.

Lars

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Expanding your knowledge faster than your collection can save you a few bucks."

stamps.colp.info
Members Picture
DavidG

APS member since 2004
30 May 2017
07:49:08pm

re: Rate, Please

The US and one other country have not get gone metric.... I cannot recall the name of the other country.

David

Like
Login to Like
this post

"President, The Society for Costa Rica Collectors"
michael78651

30 May 2017
08:58:33pm

re: Rate, Please

The Imperial Gallon is not in the metric system. One Imperial Gallon equals a little more than 4.5 liters.

Like
Login to Like
this post
BigP

30 May 2017
11:07:30pm

re: Rate, Please

Liberia and Myanmar(Burma) also were holdouts, but Wikipedia says Myanmar will be switching over.

Like
Login to Like
this post
        

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