From CNN: Size matters, so does shape under new postal rates.
The postal rate increase that kicks in Monday is shaping up to be a big headache for many businesses. Many companies say they are confused and frustrated as they try to adjust to the new rules, and some say mailings could be severely curtailed due to higher postage costs.
The new regulations mean larger envelopes and packages will automatically cost more than smaller mail. Currently, postage is determined by weight, unless it’s an especially large or odd-shaped package that warrants special handling.
If your solution come Monday is to stuff the same amount of material into a smaller envelope, the Postal Service could get you there, too: There are new thickness restrictions. For first-class, letter envelopes, the allowed thickness is a quarter inch. If you go over a quarter inch, you run into more costly large envelope or parcel rates. […]
Cindy Golebiewski, an office manager in Wilmington, Delaware, said her company faces much higher postage costs under the new rules. “The price is just doubling,” she said. If not for the new thickness limits, “we would be better off stuffing a 6-by-9-inch envelope than putting it into a big brown envelope,” she said.
The Direct Marketing Association in New York is “very, very unhappy,” said spokeswoman Stephanie Hendricks. “The rates go into effect on Monday under protest.” […]
Even mailing a simple brochure may pose a problem for businesses. Postage for a three-panel brochure weighing an ounce might cost the new rate of 41 cents — up from 39 cents — unless it’s not folded well and the envelope puffs up to half an inch. If the mail can’t be easily flattened, then the postage would shoot up to 80 cents. Under the old rules, the envelope could puff out and still cost the same.
Details of the new rates are available at http://www.usps.com/ or (800) 275-8777.