Postal Reform Effects Minimized for Graphic Arts

Though the basic rate structure of Standard letters remained unchanged, the most recent rate case did make several key adjustments to Standard Mail including:

• detached address labels now carry a 15-cent surcharge; and,

• drop shipment discounts were increased slightly.

Ultimately, the postal reform pro-visions will hit catalogs the hardest of all printed products, primarily due to the rates now being based on mail shape rather than weight. Some lighter weight catalogs will incur a higher increase than heavier catalogs due to these changes. Plus, catalogs that do not conform to the dimen-sions of USPS flats processing equip-ment will have to be modified.