. For instance, letters that weigh less than three ounces—but more than one ounce—actually cost less to mail today than under the old system. The key is efficient packaging.

“Fold letters and statements to fit in #10 or 6” x 9

Its official: Shape-based postage has arrived. For the average consumer, the new postage rates mean a trip to the post office to stock up on two-cent stamps. For many businesses, the new pricing system means a hefty bite out of bottom lines.

Hardest hit will be companies that ship lightweight parcels—now the most expensive postage classification. Under the old, weight-based system, a six-ounce package costs $1.59 to mail. Shape-based pricing bumps the rate up to $1.98, an increase of 24.5%.

Large envelopes, which classify as flats, also face hefty hikes, up to 54%.

These dramatic increases have created a stir among organizations like the Direct Marketing Association (DMA). The global trade association has lobbied unsuccessfully for an implementation delay.

Room for optimism? The U.S. Postal Service heralds shape-based postage as a move toward a more efficient system that minimizes overall costs. For instance, letters that weigh less than three ounces—but more than one ounce—actually cost less to mail today than under the old system. The key is efficient packaging.

“Fold letters and statements to fit in #10 or 6” x 9 ?

m lines.

Hardest hit will be companies that ship lightweight parcels—now the most expensive postage classification. Under the old, weight-based system, a six-ounce package costs $1.59 to mail. Shape-based pricing bumps the rate up to $1.98, an increase of 24.5%.

Large envelopes, which classify as flats, also face hefty hikes, up to 54%.

These dramatic increases have created a stir among organizations like the Direct Marketing Association (DMA). The global trade association has lobbied unsuccessfully for an implementation delay.

Room for optimism? The U.S. Postal Service heralds shape-based postage as a move toward a more efficient system that minimizes overall costs. For instance, letters that weigh less than three ounces—but more than one ounce—actually cost less to mail today than under the old system. The key is efficient packaging.

“Fold letters and statements to fit in #10 or 6” x 9

up to $1.98, an increase of 24.5%.

Large envelopes, which classify as flats, also face hefty hikes, up to 54%.

These dramatic increases have created a stir among organizations like the Direct Marketing Association (DMA). The global trade association has lobbied unsuccessfully for an implementation delay.

Room for optimism? The U.S. Postal Service heralds shape-based postage as a move toward a more efficient system that minimizes overall costs. For instance, letters that weigh less than three ounces—but more than one ounce—actually cost less to mail today than under the old system. The key is efficient packaging.

“Fold letters and statements to fit in #10 or 6” x 9

The global trade association has lobbied unsuccessfully for an implementation delay.

Room for optimism? The U.S. Postal Service heralds shape-based postage as a move toward a more efficient system that minimizes overall costs. For instance, letters that weigh less than three ounces—but more than one ounce—actually cost less to mail today than under the old system. The key is efficient packaging.

“Fold letters and statements to fit in #10 or 6” x 9

. For instance, letters that weigh less than three ounces—but more than one ounce—actually cost less to mail today than under the old system. The key is efficient packaging.

“Fold letters and statements to fit in #10 or 6” x 9 ?” envelopes. Instead of shipping small items like note pads or brochures in boxes, use mailers that classify as flats.”

Such cost-saving opportunities require end users and fulfillment houses to literally think out of the box, coming up with creative ways to improve efficiency. “It’s savings all around—not only in postage, but also in actual service costs. I can process a job faster by inserting it into an expansion envelope rather than assembling a box and taping it, putting the contents in, taping it again and putting a label on it. Efficiency-wise, it’s a lot less costly… getting it into the mail stream.”

Next steps Now that shape-based postage has arrived, abstract warnings about postage increases will soon crystallize on corporate balance sheets, spawning widespread sticker shock. The following steps can help companies realize the savings potential built into the new pricing system:

• Analyze cu