Postal Alert: Magazines and Catalogs

The Postal Service had prepared in its May 6, 2006, rate increase request to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) a single container charge designed to encourage magazine mailing efficiency. However, the PRC came back after almost a year of deliberation, with 55 different prices based on container type, point of entry and level of sortation. It is this more complicated structure that the USPS plans to implement in July. Many analysts feel that this structure favors the large publisher and printer but works to the detriment of the small publisher and the lower volume sheetfed commercial printer that prints a few magazines. It will take time and a postal expert to figure it all out. Best action for the small printer is to rely on postal software suppliers and experienced postal- smart consultants.