Shape of Things to Come

This is not a new concept coming from the USPS. In fact, weight/shape-based rate calculations have been in place for Standard mail since 1992. Essentially, the USPS and the mailing industry have categorized mail pieces into three shapes—Letters/Flats/Parcel. A full schedule of Standard Class rates exists for all three shapes. Letter-shaped mail pieces remain the champions of processing and the USPS is simply extending the incentives and the discounts onto First Class rates.